Air service in Gulmi has been repeatedly disrupted for the past four months. Since the second week of Ashadh, flights in the district have been severely affected due to unfavorable weather conditions. As a result, passengers are facing increasing difficulties, with flight services unable to operate consistently for an extended period.
Many passengers report having to wait at the airport for hours, despite having purchased tickets, only for their flights to be canceled at the last minute. This persistent disruption has continued even during festival periods, causing widespread frustration among citizens.
According to Resunga Airport’s Station Chief, Suman Thapa, flights have been suspended since Ashadh 14 due to thick fog and poor weather conditions. He explained that while Nepal Airlines used to operate two regular weekly flights, the airline has been unable to do so because of adverse weather. “Since the second week of Ashadh, only five flights have been possible, and even though passengers book tickets with hopes for better weather, cancellations have become frequent due to factors beyond our control,” said Thapa.
Nepal Airlines operates an 18-seat Twin Otter aircraft for the Gulmi-Kathmandu route. Due to high demand, flights were previously increased to four times a week. The airline has set a fare of Rs. 7,300 from Resunga to Kathmandu and Rs. 7,500 from Kathmandu to Resunga. Regular commercial flights on this route started only a year ago.
The prolonged disruption continues to inconvenience passengers, with hopes pinned on improving weather conditions for the resumption of normal flight operations.
Source: RSS
