Air connectivity to western Nepal has received a major boost as flights from Resunga Airport in Gulmi will now operate four times a week. Nepal Airlines Corporation has announced an updated schedule, adding Saturday flights to its existing operations from Kathmandu. The airline will now operate flights on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, improving accessibility for passengers traveling between the capital and the hill district.
Maintenance Completion Enables Schedule Expansion
The expansion in flight frequency comes after the successful maintenance of Twin Otter aircraft used for domestic operations. According to Station Chief Suman Thapa, the airline was able to increase flights after ensuring the operational readiness of its fleet. Previously, flights were limited to three days a week, Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday, but rising passenger demand and improved aircraft availability prompted the addition of a fourth weekly service.
Airfare Hike Following Fuel Price Increase
Alongside the increase in flights, passengers will also face higher ticket prices due to the rising cost of aviation fuel. Thapa confirmed that the airfare has been revised significantly. Under the new rates, a one-way ticket from Kathmandu to Resunga costs NPR 10,902, while the return journey from Resunga to Kathmandu is priced at NPR 10,702.
This marks a notable increase from previous fares, which stood at NPR 7,500 from Kathmandu to Resunga and NPR 7,300 in the opposite direction. The revised pricing reflects an increase of NPR 3,402, largely attributed to escalating petroleum costs impacting airline operations in Resunga Airport.
Reliable Service Despite Weather Challenges
Resunga Airport has witnessed relatively consistent flight operations over the past five months, with only occasional disruptions caused by adverse weather conditions, particularly during the monsoon season. The airport is served by an 18-seater Twin Otter aircraft, commonly used for short takeoff and landing (STOL) routes in Nepal’s mountainous regions.
Flights are scheduled during morning hours to ensure safety and operational efficiency in Resunga Airport. According to Thapa, technical considerations, particularly higher wind pressure during the afternoon, necessitate early departures. On Sundays, flights depart Kathmandu at 8:05 AM and Resunga at 9:05 AM. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, flights leave Kathmandu at 6:15 AM and Resunga at 7:15 AM.
Boost to Tourism and Local Mobility
The improved air service has already begun to positively impact tourism and mobility in the Gulmi district. With the introduction of regular flights, both domestic and international tourists are increasingly visiting the region, contributing to local economic growth.
Previously, travelers had to endure a long and often challenging road journey of 16 to 18 hours to reach Kathmandu. With the availability of air service, the same journey can now be completed in just 45 to 50 minutes, offering a faster and more comfortable alternative. Passengers have welcomed the enhanced connectivity, noting that it has significantly reduced travel time and improved access to essential services in the capital.
A Step Forward in Regional Connectivity
Commercial flights to Resunga Airport began on May 12, 2023 (Baisakh 29, 2080 BS), marking a milestone in Gulmi’s infrastructure development. Since then, the service has steadily evolved in airport, with increased frequency and reliability.
The addition of a fourth weekly flight is expected to further strengthen regional connectivity, support tourism growth, and enhance economic opportunities for local communities. As demand continues to rise, stakeholders remain optimistic about the future expansion of air services in the region.
