Kailali’s Tikapur Airport, which had been closed since 2046 BS due to conflict, is set to resume regular operations on Mangsir 30 (December 15). This milestone comes after significant efforts by local authorities and tourism entrepreneurs.
Agreement for Regular Flights
Tikapur Municipality, led by Mayor Ramlal Dagoura Tharu, has entered an agreement with Tara Air to ensure a minimum of 15 seats per flight. Nepal Airlines and Tara Air have already conducted test flights at the airport, confirming its operational readiness.
The first commercial flight is scheduled for Mangsir 30, followed by another on Poush 4 (December 19). Subsequently, flights will operate every Sunday and Thursday.
Flight Schedule and Connectivity
The flights will connect Kathmandu to Tikapur via Nepalgunj. Yeti Airlines will handle the Kathmandu–Nepalgunj route, while Tara Air will operate the Nepalgunj–Tikapur sector. The one-way airfare from Kathmandu to Tikapur has been set at NPR 9,000.
Ticketing Options
Passengers can book tickets through Pathil Holidays, the authorized ticketing partner, or via Yeti Airlines’ app, travel agencies, and digital wallets such as Khalti and eSewa. Tickets are also available at Siddhartha Hotel in Tikapur and Pathil Holidays in Kathmandu’s Tinkune area.
Boost for Local Communities
The resumption of flights is expected to benefit residents of Tikapur Municipality and surrounding districts, including Kailali, Surkhet, and Bardiya, who currently rely on Dhangadhi and Nepalgunj airports. Mayor Tharu extended gratitude to Siddhartha Hospitality for coordinating with service providers to meet local demands. The airport now features perimeter fencing and a gravel runway, ready to accommodate regular flights.
Economic and Tourism Potential
Krishna Prasad Neupane, CEO of Siddhartha Business Group of Hospitality, highlighted the potential of Tikapur to develop as a tourist hub, stating that the airport’s revival will enhance economic and tourism activities in the region.
Operational Preparedness
Tara Air spokesperson Sudarshan Bartaula confirmed that all preparations for the Kathmandu–Nepalgunj–Tikapur route have been finalized. Flights will depart Kathmandu at 10:00 AM via Yeti Airlines, with connecting Tara Air flights departing Nepalgunj for Tikapur at 12:30 PM. Return flights will leave Tikapur for Nepalgunj at 1:20 PM, with passengers arriving back in Kathmandu by 2:05 PM.
Future Plans: Safebagar Airport
In addition to Tikapur, Tara Air has reached an agreement with Safebagar Municipality for flights to the Safebagar Airport in Achham. Regular flights will commence after successful test operations, with the municipality guaranteeing a minimum of 15 seats per flight. The reopening of Tikapur Airport is a major milestone, offering convenience, promoting tourism, and revitalizing the local economy.
