After a temporary suspension, regular flights between Ramechhap and Kathmandu have officially resumed from yesterday, according to the Civil Aviation Office of Ramechhap. The resumption comes following coordinated efforts by the local administration, political parties, people’s representatives, and civil society to restore air connectivity in the region.
Airlines Begin Scheduled Operations
Three domestic airlines, Summit Air, Sita Air, and Tara Air, have begun conducting regular flights on the Ramechhap–Kathmandu route. Summit Air will operate every Wednesday, Sita Air every Friday, and Tara Air every Saturday, as per the flight schedule made public by the Civil Aviation Office.
This renewed operation aims to ensure convenient travel for passengers, especially those affected by recent road blockages caused by heavy rainfall. The flights are expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two destinations, offering a reliable alternative to road transport.
Reason Behind the Flight Resumption
In recent weeks, flight operations between Ramechhap and Kathmandu had been disrupted due to high air traffic on the Ramechhap–Lukla route, which handles between 50 to 60 flights daily during the peak trekking season. As a result, airlines had temporarily prioritized Lukla flights, leading to the suspension of services to Kathmandu.
However, the situation changed after heavy rainfall on Ashwin 17, 18, and 19 (October 3–5) caused landslides and road blockages along the BP Highway, halting vehicular movement. With the highway obstructed, air connectivity became the only viable travel option, prompting authorities and airline operators to resume the Ramechhap–Kathmandu route to ease passenger movement.
Geographical Context and Travel Distance
Ramechhap’s administrative center, Manthali, lies about 125 kilometers east of Kathmandu via the BP Highway. Alternatively, travelers using the Charikot–Dhulikhel route must cover nearly 200 kilometers to reach the capital. Given the terrain and frequent landslides during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, road travel can often be lengthy and unpredictable.
With the reinstated flights, passengers can now reach Kathmandu from Ramechhap in less than 30 minutes, compared to the five to six hours typically required by road. This restoration is expected to benefit not only locals but also trekkers and mountaineering support staff traveling between Ramechhap and Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region.
Coordinated Effort for Public Convenience
According to local officials, the decision to resume the flights was made after a series of discussions among stakeholders, including district authorities, political leaders, and community members. The collective initiative reflects a commitment to ensuring smooth mobility and accessibility for residents and travelers, particularly during periods when road networks are compromised.
The Civil Aviation Office of Ramechhap has assured that safety measures and weather assessments will be strictly followed before each flight, given the mountainous terrain and variable weather conditions in the region. Airlines have also expressed readiness to increase flight frequency if demand rises or if road transport remains restricted due to natural disruptions.
The reopening of the Ramechhap–Kathmandu flight route marks an important step in maintaining regional connectivity amid transportation challenges. With Summit, Sita, and Tara Air now operating weekly flights, locals and travelers alike will have more reliable and time-saving options to commute between the two locations. Authorities hope that this move will not only facilitate movement but also support tourism activities and local businesses affected by recent weather-induced disruptions.
