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Kathmandu,Nepal: Nepal has a total of 55 airports, but only 24 are fully operational, highlighting inefficiencies in aviation infrastructure utilization. According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), 15 airports remain completely shut, while 16 are partially operational. Additionally, one domestic airport is under prolonged construction, and feasibility studies are ongoing for others.
Limited Operations Amid Expanding Investments
Despite substantial investments, many airports struggle to sustain operations due to the expansion of road networks and a lack of thorough feasibility studies. This mismanagement has raised concerns over the loss of billions in state funds.
Nepal's TIA Generates 10 Times More Revenue Than All Other Airports Combined
Active Airports Focused on Key RoutesNepal's three international airports—Tribhuvan, Gautam Buddha, and Pokhara—serve as critical gateways. Regular domestic flights operate from Nepalgunj, Dhangadhi, Surkhet, Bharatpur, Janakpur, Simara, Rajbiraj, Biratnagar, Chandragadhi, and Bhadrapur. Mountainous regions, including Lukla, Jomsom, Simikot, Tumlingtar, Jumla, Dolpa, Ramechhap, Phaplu, Rara, and Rukum Salle, also maintain regular air services.
Partial Operations Hinder Smaller Airports
Airports such as Bajura, Bhojpur, Rumjatar, Taplejung, and Saipal, despite having basic infrastructure, face irregular flight schedules due to low passenger demand. Recent test flights at Tikapur and Kamalbazar airports have yet to lead to regular operations.
Completely Abandoned Facilities
Fifteen airports, including Darchula, Mahendranagar, Kalikot, Chaurjahari, Meghauli, and Jiri, are completely non-functional. Some lack basic infrastructure, while others have limited maintenance staff overseeing their unused facilities.
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Unfinished and Uncertain Projects
Arghakhanchi Airport remains under prolonged construction, while the long-discussed Nijgadh International Airport project has yet to progress beyond initial planning stages.
The state of Nepal's aviation infrastructure underscores the need for strategic planning and sustainable development to avoid further financial and operational inefficiencies.
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