Patan Airport, second largest airport at Far Western Development Region located at Baitadi has not completed blacktopping project till date.
The project had begun in the aim of completing on June, 2018 however; the work is still incomplete though it was rescheduled to commence from October 2018 and completed by April 2019.
Gyalwo Chamling Jagdamba JB, the contractor company of the airport has repeatedly stated about completion of soil cutting, fitting and works of sub-base however the work of blacktopping the airport has not been initiated.
The company has been stating about excuses like lack of sufficient fuel, frequent raining and various strikes throughout times as problem for completion of the work.
The airport which began its operation from 2034 BS was completely closed in the year 2052 BS. The renovation of the airport was started from 2073 BS after 2 decades of closure however the runway blacktopping work is still due to be renovated.
The construction of Patan Airport has been initiated at the cost of around NRs. 120 million and the runway of 590 meters long and 20 meters wide will be blacktopped. Similarly, 70 meter length and 30 meter width apron will also be blacktopped.
The government had allocated the budget for upgrading and restarting Patan Airport, which has been closed for nearly two decades under the budget announcement of 2072/73.
Locals had been excited about resumption of flight operation from the airport however the lagging situation has created worrying situation.
Patan Airport, in the middle of Baitadi, Darchula, Dadeldhura and Bajhang which is the second largest airport in the Kailali will be developed as a regional airport. The airport operation will help in increasing tourism flow as it will be the gateway to beautiful mountains like Api and Saipal as well as religious tourism.
