Khotang, August 19
Despite a test flight being conducted at Lamidanda Airport, the oldest airport in Khotang, on 3 Asar 2076 BS following its blacktopping, regular flights have yet to commence. The test flight was carried out after the blacktopping project, which was completed at a total investment of Rs 67.7 million by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN).
During the inauguration of the test flight, Constituent Assembly (CA) member Bishal Bhattarai mentioned that discussions were underway with CAAN to initiate regular flights at Lamidanda Airport. However, no flights have taken off or landed since that test flight. The airport’s turning pad, which had been in regular use since 2028 BS in an unpaved state, has since been blacktopped—28 meters on either side.
The airport was originally constructed to serve the devotees and tourists visiting Halesi, a major religious and tourist destination in the district, as well as residents of the Okhaldhunga and Solukhumbu districts. Local residents began the airport’s construction in 2026 BS using local resources, leading to its operation two years later in 2028 BS.
Now, however, locals are facing difficulties due to the suspension of regular flights. In the absence of regular services, they are often forced to charter helicopters to transport critically ill or injured individuals to other locations for treatment.
Phatik Kumar Shrestha, Chief of Rawabesi Rural Municipality, has accused the State of committing a significant injustice by reducing the number of flights at the airport, which has long served the residents of the three districts and the devotees and tourists visiting Halesi, a sacred site for three religions. “We have repeatedly requested the relevant authorities to resume regular flights,” he said. “However, no one has shown any interest in reopening the blacktopped airport.”
Locals also reported that airport employees and equipment were relocated to other areas following the suspension of flights.
Lawmaker Ram Kumar Rai ‘Pasang’ stated that efforts were being made to investigate the reasons behind the flight reductions at the airport. “It is regrettable that flights at Lamidanda Airport have been curtailed. Despite the state’s investment in blacktopping the airport, it has remained closed for the last six years,” he said.
Khotang district has three airports serving its 10 local-level governments. All three airports, built to provide air services to the district’s residents, have been blacktopped with CAAN’s investment.
