Lamidanda Airport, the oldest airport in Khotang district, conducted a test flight on Asar 3, 2076 BS, following the completion of a major blacktopping project. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) invested Rs 67.7 million in this renovation, which marked a significant upgrade for the airport, originally established in 2028 BS to serve devotees and tourists visiting Halesi, a major religious and tourist destination, as well as residents of Khotang, Okhaldhunga, and Solukhumbu districts.
The test flight was inaugurated by Constituent Assembly member Bishal Bhattarai, who emphasized ongoing discussions with CAAN to initiate regular flights at Lamidanda Airport. However, despite the successful test flight, the airport has yet to see any regular air traffic. The turning pad of the airport, which had been operational since its raw state in 2028 BS, was blacktopped 28 meters on both sides, yet no further flights have occurred.
The airport’s initial construction was a community-driven effort, launched in 2026 BS with local resources and operational just two years later. However, the current lack of regular flights has posed significant challenges for the local population, who are now forced to charter helicopters for medical emergencies. The absence of flights has also led to the relocation of airport employees and equipment to other locations.
Phatik Kumar Shrestha, Chief of Rawabesi Rural Municipality, expressed deep concern over the situation, accusing the state of neglecting the needs of the residents and the thousands of devotees and tourists who rely on the airport. “We have been repeatedly requesting the concerned bodies to operate regular flights,” Shrestha stated, “but no one has shown interest in reopening the airport.”
Local lawmaker Ram Kumar Rai ‘Pasang’ echoed these sentiments, stating that efforts are underway to determine the reasons behind the reduction in flights. “It is a matter of regret that flights at Lamidanda Airport have been curtailed. The airport, which was blacktopped with state funds, has been obstructed for the last six years,” he said.
Khotang district is home to three airports, all of which were blacktopped with investments from CAAN, and are meant to provide essential air services to the local population across the district’s ten local government areas. The situation at Lamidanda Airport raises broader concerns about the sustainability and utilization of such infrastructure projects, especially in remote areas where air travel is crucial.
