Biratnagar Airport has been conducting weekly mountain flights from November 24 which is expected to become successful but local passengers have not been facilitated with the flights to the airports in hilly region of the country.
The airport situated at the proposed capital of Province Number 1 has not been able to provide air service to the majority of districts.
Previously (5 years ago), national flag carrier Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) used to conduct flights from Biratnagar to Bhojpur, Taplejung, Phaplu, Thamkharka, Lamidanda, Tumlingtar and Rumjatar. Air service provided to hilly areas from Biratnagar Airport by Buddha Air and NAC have been halted completely. At present, Nepal Airlines is only providing air service to Tumlingtar from Biratnagar.
Solukhumbu features 4 airports namely Lukla, Phaplu, Syangboche and Kangel Danda Airport however, Biratnagar Airport is not providing flight service to any of the airports.
Representative from Solukhumbu district said that they are facing difficulty in reaching Province capital due to unavailability of air service. One has to cross Province 3 and 2 to reach Biratnagar by roadway or first reach to Kathmandu from Solukhumbu by air and then to Biratnagar.
Representatives from Solukhumbu have been requesting airline companies to conduct flights to the province capital but airlines have shown disinterest citing the shortage of air passengers in the route.
Tourists arriving at Biratnagar airport can reach Solukhumbu, Taplejung and Okhaldhunga which will promote the tourism, insists the representatives from Solukhumbu.
Currently, mountain flights from Biratnagar Airport have been halted due to unfavorable weather phenomena for two weeks.
