Dhangadhi airport is still out of operation although a month has passed since the airport had been out of operation. The airport which was stated to be closed for a moth for renovation work has not been able to gain momentum as expected thus delaying the re-operation date.
Dhangadhi Airport, located at western Nepal was closed from May 5th for renovation of the airport runway and was scheduled to be closed for 1 month and the work to be completed within June 4th but now the airport is set to be closed for some more days.
During renovation work, at around 850 meter of the runway, the worker were laying chip rocks however the land around started eroding. While digging up, the loose clay was discovered at around 400 meter and extended to some 100 meters delaying the work.
Construction company has now asked for around a week more of time to complete the work. The company had assured to resume the work by mid June. They also stated that around 80% of the work has been completed.
Couple of weeks back, officials, stake holders and local government officials had directed the concerned officials to complete the repair and maintenance of the Dhangadhi Airport at the specified time.
Dhangadhi airport is the only airport of far-western region of the country connected with the capital and delay in renovation of the work has made impact in the local business of the area.
Due to flight being halted at the airport, tourists to the area have decreased gradually. Ill people who had been referred to capital have been in problem and have been taking flights to Nepalgunj to travel to the capital.
The runway of Dhangadhi Airport is the second biggest runway after the runway of Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).
According to CAAN, the runway will expand 2-2 meters in each side and 30m wide and 1800 m long will be blacktopped.
At nearly 220 Million of investment, the airport’s runway and parking area will be renovated and the project was awarded to Lumbini, Koshi, and Neupane, Khadka, Koirala JB Kathmandu.
Currently, the parking area can only accommodate 3 aircraft. The parking bay will also be expanded and 4 aircraft can be parked at once after the upgrade. Fire vehicle facilities will be added. Light services and communication equipment will be enhanced as well during this period.
5 daily flights were being operated by airlines that include Buddha Air, Shree Airlines, Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) before the airport operation came to halt.
Dhangadhi Airport is the only big airport situated in the far western region which has facilitated citizens of nearly 9 districts.
