After a prolonged suspension, flight operations will resume at Suketar Airport in Taplejung from this coming Saturday. Nepal Airlines Corporation’s Twin Otter aircraft, which had been grounded for some time, will begin flights again, with the first scheduled departure at 7:00 AM on Saturday morning, according to the corporation’s Taplejung station.
Suketar Airport, located in the eastern region of Nepal, has not seen any flight operations since the final week of Mangsir (mid-November). Although there was an attempt to restart flights in the first week of Poush (mid-December), a flight from Kathmandu to Taplejung had to return midway due to unfavorable weather conditions. This marked the continuation of the hiatus in flights.
The Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) has two Twin Otter aircraft, and with only one in operational condition, the airline had been running a limited flight schedule. Kumar Gurung, the official in charge at the Taplejung station, informed that the current flight schedule will be limited to one flight per week. “We are planning a single flight each week for now, and we are hopeful that with the repair of the second aircraft, we can increase the frequency of flights in the future,” Gurung said.
Historically, Suketar Airport had regular flights with up to five days of operations a week when both of the airline’s Twin Otter aircraft were in service. However, the grounding of one aircraft has led to a temporary reduction in the service. The new arrangement of one flight per week is expected to help provide essential connectivity, especially for those in urgent need, including the elderly, sick, and other vulnerable groups.
The regular flights from Suketar Airport not only serve Taplejung but also connect passengers from other districts like Panchthar, Ilam, and Tehrathum, who typically rely on this route for air travel. These passengers, from areas like Yangwarak and Hilingang in Panchthar, and Aatharai in Tehrathum, previously had to travel to nearby airports in Bhadrapur or Biratnagar to catch a flight. However, due to the current lack of flights from Suketar, travelers have had to endure an eight-hour journey from the Taplejung district headquarters to these cities just to board a flight.
The resumption of flights will undoubtedly ease the travel burden for locals, especially as the journey from Taplejung to neighboring cities is both time-consuming and strenuous, particularly during the monsoon season or in bad weather conditions. Gurung mentioned that the upcoming flight service would significantly reduce the travel time for people living in Taplejung and surrounding districts. “With the regular flight service resuming, passengers will no longer have to make the long journey to Bhadrapur or Biratnagar,” he added.
For many residents of Taplejung and nearby districts, flights from Suketar Airport represent an important mode of transportation. The airport plays a vital role in connecting the region with the rest of the country, providing quicker access to the capital and other major cities. The reduced frequency of flights in recent months has caused inconvenience to travelers, but with the new schedule, the situation is expected to improve.
The Nepal Airlines Corporation is currently working on repairing the second aircraft, which, when operational, will help increase the frequency of flights from Suketar. Gurung also emphasized that once both aircraft are in working condition, the airline will consider resuming a regular flight schedule, potentially offering more than one flight per week. This will make air travel more accessible and convenient for people in the remote districts served by Suketar Airport.
The resumption of flights also holds great significance for tourism in Taplejung and surrounding areas. Suketar Airport is the gateway for tourists heading to popular destinations like Kanchenjunga, which is the third highest mountain in the world and a significant draw for trekkers and mountaineers. The airport’s operational status will undoubtedly facilitate easier access to these remote, beautiful regions, promoting tourism and boosting the local economy.
Local authorities and residents are eagerly awaiting the resumption of flights, and many hope that this marks the beginning of regular services once again. The limited flights will, for now, offer crucial relief to those who rely on air transport for medical, business, and personal reasons. With increased connectivity, the region’s development will likely receive a boost, fostering better access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for the people of Taplejung and beyond.
The resumption of flights from Suketar Airport is a welcome development for the people of Taplejung and neighboring districts. While the initial schedule remains limited, the possibility of expanding flight operations in the near future offers hope for enhanced connectivity and convenience for passengers. As the second Twin Otter aircraft undergoes repairs, it is expected that the frequency of flights will increase, ultimately improving the accessibility of this remote region and benefiting both locals and tourists alike.
