BARA: The Simara Airport has been closed for 20 days from afternoon today for maintenance.

"The airport will remain closed after noon today for 20 days as the runway is being expanded," airport chief Ali Hassan said.

The runway is being expanded by two meters on both sides. The runway is presently 1,192 meters long and 30 meters wide at present.

The old runway and sub-way will also be repaired besides adding the apron, the official said.

The airport office said the road leading to the airport from Simara bazaar will also be repaired and tall trees around the airport will be felled so as to make night flights possible. Locals had long been demanding night flights.

An agreement to upgrade the airport ad been reached between the government and Korea's Landmark Worldwide Company.