Travelers using Simara Airport in Bara District, one of Nepal’s busiest domestic airports and a vital air gateway connecting Kathmandu with Madhesh Province, are increasingly facing flight cancellations, limited schedules, and frequent delays due to aging infrastructure and operational limitations. Once handling more than 1,500 passengers daily, the Simara Airport has witnessed a significant decline in flight operations as infrastructure challenges continue to affect airline services and passenger convenience.
Outdated Facilities Restrict Airport Operations
According to airport officials, Simara Airport’s existing infrastructure is no longer adequate to meet growing passenger demand. A narrow terminal building, short runway, limited aircraft parking space, and the absence of modern navigation and landing equipment have significantly constrained airport operations.
The lack of advanced navigation systems in the Simara Airport also limits aircraft movement during periods of dense fog and adverse weather, leading to regular flight delays and disruptions, particularly during the winter season. In addition, the current runway length is insufficient for ATR 72 aircraft to operate at full passenger capacity and does not support night-time flight operations, further reducing operational flexibility.
Airlines Reduce Services Amid Operational Challenges
The Simara Airport’s infrastructure limitations have already prompted airlines to scale back their services. Both Yeti Airlines and Shree Airlines have suspended their operations on the Simara–Kathmandu route, leaving Buddha Air as the sole scheduled carrier serving the airport.
At present, Buddha Air operates four daily scheduled flights, accommodating around 400 passengers per day, a sharp decline from the more than 1,500 daily travelers the airport served just a few years ago. The reduced flight frequency has limited travel options for passengers while increasing dependence on a single airline operating the route.
Expansion Plans Await Government Approval
To address the growing operational challenges, airport authorities have proposed expanding both the runway and terminal building to improve passenger handling capacity and accommodate larger aircraft more efficiently.
The proposed upgrade is currently awaiting approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) and other concerned government agencies. Officials believe that infrastructure improvements would enhance flight reliability, increase airline participation, and support future growth in domestic aviation.
Business Community Calls for Urgent Upgrades
Local business leaders have urged the government to expedite the Simara Airport’s modernization, warning that prolonged delays in infrastructure development could negatively impact regional connectivity, trade, investment, and tourism. As Simara serves as an important transportation hub for Madhesh Province, stakeholders argue that upgrading the airport is essential to support economic development and improve accessibility for both business and leisure travelers. They have emphasized that timely expansion would not only improve passenger services but also strengthen the region’s role in Nepal’s domestic aviation network.
