Two of western Nepal’s smaller airports could be a step closer to larger aircraft and more reliable flights. But for now, all the government has ordered is a study.
Tourism Minister Khadak Raj Paudel has directed the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) to begin technical and feasibility studies for Tarigaun Airport in Dang and Rara Airport in Mugu.
A study can show what is possible, what it would cost and what land it would need. It does not mean expansion has been approved.
What the government ordered
The directive followed an inspection of airports in western Nepal from October 7 to 12. A team that included CAAN officials and people from the aviation sector visited Nepalgunj, Tarigaun, Rara and Jumla. The minister issued his instructions at a meeting with CAAN officials on Thursday, October 15.
The studies are to cover infrastructure needs, technical feasibility, operating capacity and ways to improve air services. The minister also asked CAAN to identify the infrastructure required and prepare a prioritised action plan.
CAAN Director General Mukesh Dangol said the Tarigaun study would assess the airport’s potential for development and expansion, with the aim of making air transport more accessible and effective.
Tarigaun: a short runwayTarigaun Airport in Tulsipur has a reported runway of 750 metres by 30 metres. That limits the aircraft that can land there and the reliance depends on small aircraft and interruptions to scheduled services. Nepal Airlines resumed flights in September after a break of roughly six weeks.
The study could show which upgrades are technically possible, and what land, infrastructure and investment they would need.
Rara: access to a remote lakeRara Airport, also known as Talcha, serves visitors to Rara Lake and nearby communities in Mugu. Air links matter here because reaching this remote Himalayan area by road can be long and difficult.
The study will look at upgrading and expanding the existing airport. The minister has also told CAAN to assess whether a new airport at a different site would be technically and practically feasible.
A feasibility study checks engineering needs, land, environmental effects, cost and whether an airport can operate sensibly. Its findings guide later decisions. A project can still be shelved, changed or delayed afterwards, depending on funding and approvals.
The benefits to connectivity and tourism will depend on the study’s findings, funding, construction decisions and the reliability of flights. For now, the story is a plan to plan.
