A new helipad has been inaugurated at Nalinchowk in Bhaktapur to help manage the air traffic congestion at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). Spanning an area of 33 ropanis, this helipad is situated in Suryabinayak Municipality-10 and is now operational.
The inauguration ceremony was led by the Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Hit Bahadur Tamang, who expressed confidence in the helipad’s potential to significantly ease air traffic at TIA. “With the increasing number of aircraft and helicopters, this helipad is highly relevant,” Minister Tamang remarked. “We are expanding airport infrastructure, and this helipad, constructed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), will be particularly useful for districts in the eastern region. It holds multifaceted importance.”
Minister Tamang also emphasized the ministry’s efforts in advancing policy and structural reforms to enhance the safety and reliability of the nation’s air travel. He noted that the opening of Bhaktapur’s first fully-equipped commercial helipad is a notable achievement for civil aviation.
CAAN Director General Pradip Adhikari shared similar views, expressing optimism that the new helipad would help alleviate air traffic congestion at TIA. He mentioned that the facility would aid helicopter service providers and benefit residents. “As Tribhuvan Airport is undergoing expansion, we are also expanding the current helicopter parking area,” Adhikari added. “We are progressing with various initiatives to ensure our civil aviation services are safe, reliable, and of high quality.”
The helipad can park 17 helicopters and accommodate the simultaneous landing of four helicopters, making it a significant addition to Nepal’s aviation infrastructure. During the inauguration, helicopters from various airlines landed at the new facility. Dignitaries, including the Minister and officials from CAAN and helicopter companies, arrived at Nalinchowk via helicopter from TIA.
Constructed at a cost of approximately NPR 110 million, the helipad underscores CAAN’s commitment to expanding the nation’s aviation capabilities. Currently, Nepal has around 40 helicopters operated by 12 service providers.
