Update: Construction of Pokhara International Airport to revive soon

May 9, 2017-POKHARA

Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) is currently the only international airport handling congested air traffic in the country. To decrease the pressure at TIA, some other international airports are under construction namely Pokhara, Nijgadh and Gautam Buddha International Airport however; the construction work is unable to acquire pace and concern from authorities.

Construction of Pokhara International Airport (at Chinnedanda-3 km to the east of Pokhara’s present domestic airport) was inaugurated with placing foundation stone by then Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli on April 13, 2016. The tender was secured by the Chinese Engineering Company CAMCE. The Company is going to construct the International Airport with projected amount of 215 Million US Dollar which is to be obtained via loan and the amount is to be obtained from Exim Bank of China. Due to prolonged process in acquiring loan, the construction of the airport has not been initiated yet.

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Mr. Yu Hong inspected the Pokhara International Airport construction site yesterday along with the Chief of CAMCE Engineering Company Mr. Luo Yan. Mr. Yu Hong reported, “The construction work was unable to start due to lengthy loan procedure from Exim Bank. The loan agreement will be finalized soon and the construction will be commenced.”

CAMCE also committed to complete the airport project within 4 years from the date of initiation. The wide body aircraft like Boeing 757, Airbus 330 and narrow body aircraft like Airbus 320 would be able to land on the runway of newly built International Airport. After the construction the Pokhara International Airport will be able to handle 10 lakh passengers and tourists.