KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 18

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has received the report of the calibration flights conducted in Pokhara Regional International Airport (PRIA), which is set to start operations from January 1. The aircraft of Aero Thai Company conducted the first mechanical flight tests (calibration flights) at the PRIA from November 21 to 28.

Jagannath Niraula, spokesperson for CAAN, said the authority has received the initial report of calibration flights and that work is underway to certify and publish the report in Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) in a few days.

'The calibration report is very positive and has stated that there are no issues in conducting regular flights to and from PRIA. At present, discussions are underway to conduct the first flight to the new international airport,' Niraula shared.

He also said that works are underway to cover the landfill site in the region as soon as possible.

Niraula said that foreign airlines will also consider starting operations to Pokhara based on information published in AIP and the positive report received from Aero Thai will further ease CAAN's procedures in inviting international airlines to fly in the region.

Furthermore, Niraula shared that discussions are underway for management of sky sport activities in Pokhara.

'We are making preparations to reduce the number of takeoff zones for paragliding, among other activities, but will not restrict them. Sky sport activities are being conducted from four sites in Pokhara and talks are underway to remove some of them to minimise their impact on airport operations,' he said.

CAMC Engineering Company was entrusted with the contract to build the airport in May 2014. Construction work of the airport started in July 201 with an estimated cost of Rs 22 billion.

A version of this article appears in the print on December 19, 2022, of The Himalayan Times.