Jumla airport is set to come into operation after maintenance and up-gradation work of Jumla airport has reached to final phase after more than a month of closure.
According to airport Chief Kailash Sharma, only minor works of runway maintenance are left and the airport might come into operation within couple of days. He had earlier stated about decision to close the airport to intensify the upgrading of the airport in October 25.
The work was expected to be completed by the end of November however the project took longer than expected and locals had expressed anger towards delay in completion of the project.
The work of runway upgrading was started due to frequent problem seen on runway and the work was started in this time considering this the favorable time. However, some are skeptic about the black topping work as it was done during winter.
Previously, the locals had been requested to complete the work as soon as possible as they have been facing problem due to closure of the airport and were agitated due to delay in work. People had been taking roadways of Karnali to travel to Surkhet and Nepalagunj to travel to and from Kathmandu.
Currently, the runway length is 670 meter which accommodates Twin Otter and Dornier aircraft. But if the runway length could have been more, it would be more convenient and safer, informed pilots as well as Mayor of ChandanNath Municipality.
The airport officials will also conduct discussion with Airport safety committee regarding recommencing flight operation.
Prior to airport closure Tara Air used to conduct one weekly flight to Jumla Airport from Nepalgunj every Wednesday and Nepal Airlines Corporation used to operate weekly flight on Monday from Nepalgunj. Besides, Sita Air and Summit Air operate charter flights occasionally.
The closest airports to Jumla are Juphal Airport at Dolpa, Bajura Airport at Bajura and Rukumkot Chaurjahari Airport at Rukumkot.
