Despite the completion of a test flight six months ago, Suntharali Airport, located in Kotwada, Narharinath Rural Municipality-1, remains non-operational. The airport, which was officially inaugurated on February 26 of the last fiscal year, has yet to see regular flights, leaving residents disappointed.
Rajkumar Bista, a resident, expressed his frustration, noting that the airport’s construction took 38 years to complete, yet regular flights have not begun. “Even six months after the official inauguration, the dream of an operational airport remains unfulfilled. It’s uncertain how much longer it will take,” he said. Bista emphasized the need for the airport’s operation due to poor road infrastructure in the region.
During the inauguration, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) had committed to providing flights once a week from Surkhet and Nepalgunj. However, Narharinath Rural Municipality spokesperson Pradeep Bohara mentioned that CAAN has yet to grant permission for flights. “Due to a shortage of aircraft at Nepal Airlines, flights haven’t been possible,” Bohara said, adding that the national carrier had agreed to operate flights once a week.
Narharinath Rural Municipality Chair Nagendra Bista also noted that one of Nepal Airlines’ two planes was grounded, preventing regular flights. “Private airlines, including Sita, Tara, and others, have not agreed to operate flights at the fares set by Nepal Airlines, which is why no regular flights have taken place,” Bista explained. He added that discussions are ongoing with private airlines to resolve the issue.
Nepal Airlines has already set fares for flights from Surkhet, Nepalgunj, and Dhangadhi to Suntharali Airport. According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, the fare for the Nepalgunj–Kalikot route is set at NPR 5,551 per passenger, Surkhet–Kalikot at NPR 3,901, and Dhangadhi–Kalikot at NPR 5,249.
The delay in operationalizing the airport has been met with disappointment from the local community, who see it as a crucial lifeline for connecting the region with other parts of Nepal.
