Sukilumba Airport in Ilam has resumed flight operations today after being closed for several months. The airport, which had initially planned to restart flights last Thursday, was unable to do so due to a lack of passengers. However, with the arrival of passengers, flights have now officially recommenced.
Dinesh Sundas, the in-charge of Sukilumba Airport, confirmed that Nepal Airlines’ 27-seat aircraft took off this morning. The flight from Kathmandu carried six passengers to Ilam and brought eight passengers back to Kathmandu.
The resumption of flights marks the return of regular service, with Nepal Airlines scheduling flights every Thursday. The service had been suspended for over three months due to adverse weather conditions during the monsoon season. The restart comes in response to increased demand for flights from Ilam to Kathmandu as major festivals such as Dashain and Tihar approach.
Previously, passengers had to travel to Bhadrapur or other airports for flights due to the lack of service. Flights had been suspended since May 13. Nepal Airlines’ two small aircraft had been operating flights twice a week—on Sundays and Thursdays—but one was undergoing maintenance. The remaining aircraft will now operate flights on Thursdays, with additional days planned once the second aircraft returns from maintenance. The resumption of operations is expected to ease travel for residents of eastern hill districts and neighboring regions such as Sikkim and Mirik in India.
In other local news, Ilam’s market will now be open seven days a week, including Saturdays. Previously, shops in Ilam and Deumai Municipality’s Mangalbare Market were closed on Saturdays. This change aims to accommodate the increased shopping needs during major festivals such as Dashain, Tihar, Nepal Sambat, and Chhath.
The Ilam Chamber of Commerce and Industry has issued a notice encouraging businesses to remain open on Saturdays from September 29, in anticipation of the upcoming festival season. The decision is intended to make it easier for consumers, especially those from rural areas, to purchase daily necessities.
Ilam Chamber President Krishna Paudel noted that while shops traditionally closed on Saturdays to allow staff a day off, this adjustment will benefit both consumers and businesses during the busy festival period. Major trading centers in the district, including Ilam Bazar, Biblate, Mangalbare, and Fikkal, will now operate every day of the week, providing more convenience to residents.
