Dhangadhi Airport, an airport serving Dhangadhi, the district headquarters of the Kailali District in the Seti Zone has experienced an increase in the number of air passengers. The number has escalated by 1,50,000 in the current fiscal year 075-076. The airport has set the target to serve 2,44, 800 passengers by the end of this fiscal year.
33,800 passengers traveled to and fro the Dhangadhi- Kathmandu-Dhangadhi route in the fiscal year 073-074 whereas the number rose to 1,69,920 in the fiscal year 074-075. Nepal Airlines Corporation has already served 40,000 passengers by conducting 3 weekly flights.
Buddha, on the other hand, carries almost 1,03,000 passengers with 2 weekly flights to Dhangadhi from Kathmandu. Similarly, Shree Airlines carries 1 lakh passengers with one flight each for morning and evening.
Dhangadhi Airport generated revenue of Rs 2crore 20 lakhs in the previous fiscal year while this year’s revenue is expected to reach Rs 3 crore.
The airport authority is working to install VOR DME Equipment at the eastern part to enhance safe flight operation during night hours. The number of air passengers is believed to escalate by double-figure after the successful operation of the airport during night hours.
Saurya Airlines hadn’t paid the pending service charge of Dhangadhi Airport but the agreement has been made recently to clear the dues. The resumption of Saurya Airlines’ flight will also increase the number of air passengers.
Dhangadhi Airport is the only big airport situated in the far western region which has facilitated citizens of 9 districts. 500 passengers travel to Kathmandu daily from the airport and the number is rising day by day. The state government now should focus on the renovation and enhancement of the airport to serve the increasing number of air passengers. The increase in flight frequency will boost the economic condition of the region
