Resunga Airport in Gulmi district has been experiencing flight disruptions for nearly a month due to adverse weather conditions. The airport, which typically operates flights three times a week, has had its operations suspended since Ashadh 14 due to weather-related issues.
Flights from Kathmandu to Gulmi were scheduled for 6:30 AM and from Gulmi to Kathmandu at 7:45 AM. However, according to Suman Thapa, Station Chief of Nepal Airlines at Resunga Airport, cloud cover during morning hours has been causing problems.
Technical assessments have concluded that morning hours are the only suitable time for flights at Resunga Airport. Afternoon winds make flying challenging, leading to frequent cancellations.
Nepal Airlines has been operating Twin Otter aircraft at this airport. Due to increased passenger demand, the airport was granted permission for three weekly flights. Recently, however, flights have only been operating on Fridays.
The addition of air travel to Gulmi has boosted international tourism to the region. Tourists from France, Belgium, and Spain are visiting Gulmi’s historic, religious, and tourist sites, including Resunga, Dhurkot’s Bichitra Cave, Chandrokot’s Timure Lake, and Rurukshetra.
Currently, the fare from Gulmi to Kathmandu is NPR 7,080, and from Kathmandu to Gulmi is NPR 7,280. Resunga Airport is located in Simi Chaur, Ward No. 10 of Resunga Municipality, and can be reached via a 5-kilometer dirt road from the district headquarters, Tamghas. Commercial flights at Resunga Airport began on Baishakh 29 of last year.
