Responding to rising demand from local passengers, Nepal Airlines Corporation has resumed regular flights from Tarigaun Airport, located in Tulsipur-12 of Dang district. This development marks a significant improvement in regional connectivity, especially for residents who previously had to travel long distances to access air services through Nepalgunj or Bhairahawa.
According to Bal Bahadur Sunar, the branch chief of Nepal Airlines in Tulsipur, the national carrier has started operating flights five days a week from Tarigaun Airport. “Flights are currently being operated every day except Wednesday and Saturday,” Sunar confirmed, adding that this schedule is based on the consistent demand for air services from the region.
Enhancing Regional Connectivity
Until recently, the absence of regular flights from Tarigaun had forced passengers in and around Tulsipur to depend on distant airports, such as Nepalgunj or Bhairahawa, resulting in long travel times and added inconvenience. The resumption of flights is therefore expected to provide a much-needed boost to mobility and local commerce in the Mid-Western region.
The national airline is currently using 19-seater aircraft for operations at the airport, which is suitable given the current infrastructure limitations. The existing runway at Tarigaun Airport is only 750 meters long, which is insufficient for larger aircraft. As a result, only smaller planes can safely land and take off from the facility.
Calls for Runway Expansion
The limitation in runway length has long been a topic of discussion among local stakeholders, who have repeatedly called for the government to expand the runway to accommodate larger aircraft. Such an upgrade would not only increase passenger capacity but also potentially open up the airport for additional domestic routes and private airlines.
Tarigaun Airport was originally constructed in 2011 B.S. (1954 A.D.) and has remained a modest yet vital part of regional air infrastructure. Over the years, it has played a key role in connecting Dang and surrounding areas to major cities across Nepal. However, irregular flight services and infrastructure challenges have limited its full potential.
Boost to Local Tourism and Economy
With more regular flights now operational, stakeholders believe the airport can contribute to the growth of local tourism and the economy. Dang, with its natural beauty, religious sites, and emerging infrastructure, has the potential to become a regional tourism hub if supported by reliable transportation links.
Local business owners and travel agencies have welcomed the resumption of flights, noting that better air connectivity will benefit both tourism and business travelers. Many are hopeful that this move will prompt further investment into upgrading the airport facilities.
Future Prospects
While the resumption of flights is a welcome step, much remains to be done to ensure Tarigaun Airport reaches its full potential. Local authorities and civil society members continue to urge the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal and the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation to prioritize the expansion of the runway and other supporting infrastructure.
Stakeholders also believe that once the airport is upgraded, it can serve as a strategic gateway to the Karnali region and beyond, easing the burden on other overstretched airports and providing a reliable alternative for western Nepal. For now, Nepal Airlines’ commitment to regular service from Tarigaun Airport is seen as a promising development in meeting the needs of the traveling public and fostering regional development.
