The only airport in Bhojpur, located in Taksar, Bhojpur Municipality-12, has been blacktopped, along with the road connecting it to the district headquarters. Despite the completion of these improvements, the airport currently operates only two flights per week.
Constructed in 1978, the airport once had daily flights, including routes to Biratnagar. However, currently, flights between Bhojpur and Kathmandu are limited to just two days a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. This reduction in flights persists even though the airport’s physical infrastructure is in good condition.
Prakash Khadka, the head of Nepal Airlines Bhojpur, stated that the number of flights is determined by schedules set by the central office. Although there are no physical barriers, the lack of sufficient aircraft has led to limited flights. Nepal Airlines remains the sole operator at the airport, and the shortage of planes is cited as the reason for the reduced flight schedule. This situation has caused inconvenience to passengers traveling between Bhojpur and Kathmandu.
“In the past, even with a grassy runway, there were regular flights. Now, with both the airport and road blacktopped, the flight schedule should have increased, but it has decreased,” said resident Sanjeev Karki.
Efforts are currently underway to construct a new terminal building at the airport, following complaints about the dilapidated condition of the existing one. This project, which has a budget of NPR 54.5 million, was initiated with the support of former Minister Sudan Kirati. The construction, being handled by RB Urban Builders and Suppliers, is expected to be completed by the end of December 2024.
Resident Ghamchandra Dahal expressed his disappointment, calling the inability to increase flight schedules despite the investment in the airport a misfortune for the district. The five-kilometer road from Bhojpur district headquarters to Taksar Airport was paved using asphalt technology, with a budget of NPR 169.2 million allocated by the provincial government.
Residents of Bhojpur are now urging political leaders to ensure that private airlines are also encouraged to operate flights to the district, emphasizing the need for more frequent services. “The people of this district deserve the benefits of the budget spent on infrastructure. Leaders should take responsibility for this,” said resident Krishna Maya Tamang.
