-ACHHAM
The Sanfebagar Airport based on Achham district is set to operate soon after the completion of blacktopping project.
According to Manager at the airport, the blacktopping of the runway and maintenance of the terminal building is currently going on. The Construction work on runway and terminal of the airport is expected to be accomplished by the end of April this year.
After the completion of the construction project, the airport will offer one daily flight.
On December last year, the Government of Nepal had awarded the NRs 120 Million project to Amar Construction Company with the deadline of 18 months.
Both airport of Achham district in Sanphebagar and Kamal Bazar is out of operation. Demolition of Airport tower in Maoist attack in 2058 BS was the main reason behind the closure though the airport was in operation till 2062 BS. The airport was only the means of air transport in this region as it had been providing service for emergency purpose but following the closure of airport pregnant women and other patients have lost their lives due to lack of treatment at the time.
Locals stated that the airport could access the tourists to the tourism destination in Ramarshan, Vaidyanath, Bunigadi and Badimalika of Panchdeval Bajura and Khaptad area. The airport in the region is also expected to boost the economy. Moreover, the airfield could also serve the nearby Bayalpata Hospital which caters to the medical needs of patients from six surrounding districts. Currently, driving from Dhangadhi is the fastest way to reach Sanfebagar from the East-West Highway which takes about eight hours non-stop.
Sanfebagar Airport is located at an elevation of 1955 ft above mean sea level. The airport previously possessed a single earthen runway of a length of 517 meters (1,700 ft) and 30 meters wide aligned to 030 degrees and 210 degrees. The airport can accommodate the STOL single engine aircraft like Cessna Grand Caravan C208, etc.
