Regular air services have resumed at Suketar Airport in Taplejung after a gap of around three and a half months, restoring an important air link between Taplejung and Kathmandu. The airport had remained without regular flights since June 5, 2026 (Jestha 22, 2083) due to adverse weather and other operational challenges. The Nepal Airlines Corporation (Nepal Airlines) has now resumed flights to the airport using its Twin Otter aircraft.
Nepal Airlines Operates First Flight After Long Suspension
According to Dilip Rajbanshi, Air Traffic Controller at Suketar Airport, the Nepal Airlines aircraft arrived at Suketar from Kathmandu carrying 13 passengers. The aircraft subsequently departed Suketar for Kathmandu with five passengers on board. The resumption of the service is expected to provide an important transportation option for residents of Taplejung as well as travelers visiting the district for tourism and other purposes.
New Weekly Flight Schedule Announced
Previously, flights to Suketar were being operated three days a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Under the new schedule, flights will operate on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays starting from Ashwin 15, 2083. The revised schedule is expected to improve connectivity between Taplejung and the capital, particularly for passengers who rely on air transportation due to the district’s challenging road connectivity.
Kathmandu–Taplejung Airfare Set at Over Rs 12,000
The airfare for the Kathmandu–Taplejung sector has been fixed at Rs 12,270, while passengers traveling from Taplejung to Kathmandu will pay Rs 12,070. The resumption of regular flights is particularly significant for passengers who require faster transportation between the two destinations, especially during periods when road travel becomes difficult.
Regular Air Connectivity Remains a Challenge
Despite the importance of Suketar Airport, maintaining regular air services to Taplejung has remained challenging over the years. Various factors, including aircraft shortages, technical issues and insufficient passenger numbers, have affected the regularity of flights. Weather conditions have also frequently disrupted operations at the airport. These challenges have made air travel to and from Taplejung less predictable, creating difficulties for both local residents and visitors.
Tourism Sector Expected to Benefit
Taplejung is regarded as an important tourism destination in eastern Nepal, particularly because of attractions such as Pathibhara Temple and the Kanchenjunga region. Tourists traveling to the district for trekking, pilgrimage and other tourism activities have faced difficulties when regular air services were unavailable. Residents and tourism stakeholders have also been calling for more reliable air connectivity to support the district’s tourism economy. The restoration of regular flights is therefore expected to provide greater convenience to tourists and other travelers heading to Taplejung.
Calls for Greater Private Airline Participation
Local stakeholders have emphasized the need to create a favorable environment for private airline companies to operate regular services to Taplejung. They argue that greater participation from private airlines, alongside Nepal Airlines, could help strengthen air connectivity and provide passengers with more reliable travel options.
For a district with significant tourism potential and difficult terrain, consistent air connectivity remains an important component of transportation infrastructure. The resumption of Nepal Airlines’ regular service is consequently viewed as a step toward improving access to Taplejung and its major tourism destinations.
