KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 15
Tikapur Airport in Kailali, which had been closed for regular operations since February 1997, officially resumed flight services today.
Tara Air's flight YT 1701, carrying 16 passengers, landed at Tikapur Airport at 1:44 PM, marking the beginning of regular air connectivity to the region.
The reopening was made possible through the concerted efforts of Tikapur Municipality, in coordination with Tara Air and Yeti Airlines. Tikapur Airport initially commenced operations on October 11, 1984.
Mayor Ram Lal Dagora Tharu of Tikapur Municipality stated that flights will now operate on the Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Tikapur route via Yeti Airlines and Tara Air. The initiative is supported by local tourism businesses and other stakeholders, ensuring a collaborative approach to reinstating the airport's operations.
Regular flights will be available every Sunday and Thursday, with the municipality guaranteeing a minimum of 15 seats per flight through an agreement with Tara Air. Previously, test flights were conducted by Nepal Airlines and Tara Air. A one-way fare for the Kathmandu-Tikapur route has been set at Rs 9,000.
Mayor Tharu acknowledged the contributions of key individuals and organizations, including Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey and Minister of State Arun Kumar Chaudhary, for their instrumental roles in reopening the airport.
Minister Chaudhary expressed his commitment to further improving Tikapur Airport, announcing plans to introduce direct flights from Kathmandu to Tikapur in the near future. He also extended gratitude to all stakeholders involved in the reopening process.
Pathil Holidays has been appointed as the authorized sales agent for ticket sales, with outlets in Siddhartha Hotel in Tikapur, Tinkune in Kathmandu, and through travel agencies.
The resumption of services is expected to benefit residents of Kailali, Surkhet, Bardiya, and nearby regions, who previously relied on flights from Dhangadhi and Nepalgunj.
Although the runway is gravel-based, plans for upgrades are underway to enhance operational efficiency once regular flights stabilize.
