Nepal Airlines has introduced concessionary fares for helpless individuals, persons with disabilities, children, and senior citizens traveling from Tarigaun Airport in Tulsipur, Dang to Kathmandu, aiming to make air travel more inclusive and accessible for vulnerable communities.
Significant Fare Reduction Announced
Bal Bahadur Sunar, Chief of Nepal Airlines at the Tulsipur station, confirmed that the standard one-way fare from Dang to Kathmandu is currently Rs 8,775, but under the new initiative, eligible passengers will now pay only Rs 7,645, a reduction of over Rs 1,100.
“Recognizing the difficulties faced by senior citizens, children, and differently-abled individuals, we have arranged for subsidized fares,” Sunar said. “We hope this initiative encourages greater use of air services among vulnerable groups.”
Flight Schedule and Current Passenger Trends
Flights between Tarigaun and Kathmandu operate four days a week, Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. However, Sunar noted a sharp decline in passengers in recent weeks. “On average, we are seeing only four to five passengers per day,” he said, adding that passenger volume was higher until October but has since dwindled.
Infrastructure Challenges at Tarigaun Airport
A major limitation at Tarigaun Airport is its runway length of just 750 meters, which only allows for small 19-seater aircraft. Larger planes cannot land here, restricting both capacity and frequency of flights. Many travelers continue to fly from Bhairahawa or Nepalgunj for better connectivity due to aircraft delays and limited schedules.
Established in 1954, Tarigaun Airport has long been a symbol of regional connectivity for Dang and surrounding districts. Yet, its development has lagged behind growing demand. Local leaders and aviation officials have repeatedly called for runway expansion and infrastructure improvements to accommodate larger aircraft and ensure reliable operations.
Community and Stakeholder Perspectives
“This airport has the potential to transform mobility in the mid-western region,” said Suresh KC, a local resident. “But without infrastructure upgrades and consistent service, passengers will continue to seek alternatives elsewhere.”
While Nepal Airlines’ concessionary fares are a positive step, stakeholders emphasize that long-term improvements, particularly runway expansion and increased flight frequency, are essential to ensure sustainable air connectivity for Dang and neighboring districts. Officials urge the government to prioritize regional airport development, highlighting that social initiatives such as fare concessions will have limited impact unless accompanied by infrastructure modernization.
