AVIATION
Shree Airlines conducts successful test flight to Bharatpur Airport
Construction of a new terminal building at Bharatpur Airport is underway, along with ongoing expansion efforts.
Shree Airlines has successfully completed a test flight with its Q400 Dash 8 aircraft from Kathmandu to Bharatpur, marking a significant milestone for both the airline and the region. The flight, which departed from Kathmandu this morning, landed smoothly at Bharatpur Airport despite its short runway.
The test flight carried prominent passengers, including Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, Tourism Minister Hit Bahadur Tamang, and a team of technical staff. Shree Airlines’ Managing Director, Sudhir Mittal, confirmed the flight’s success, stating that no issues were encountered during the test.
Mittal raised concerns about airport safety, pointing out that structures built to the east of the airfield could pose potential risks. Nevertheless, he expressed optimism for the future, revealing that Shree Airlines is preparing to start regular flights once they receive authorization from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal.
Mittal added that the approval process for regular flights might take some time. Currently, Buddha Air is the only airline operating flights on the Kathmandu-Bharatpur and Pokhara-Bharatpur routes with 42-seater aircraft. In the past, Yeti Airlines also serviced Bharatpur, but those flights have since been discontinued.
Shree Airlines plans to introduce 80-seater planes on the Bharatpur route, which is expected to lower fares. Currently, Buddha Air charges over Rs 4,800 for a one-way ticket from Bharatpur to Kathmandu.
Construction of a new terminal building at Bharatpur Airport is underway, along with ongoing expansion efforts. These developments are crucial for accommodating larger aircraft and increasing passenger capacity.
During the test flight event, Home Minister Lamichhane, Tourism Minister Tamang, and Bharatpur Metropolitan City Mayor Renu Dahal inspected the new terminal building. Mayor Dahal celebrated the successful test flight as the fulfillment of a long-held dream for the city’s residents.
Tourism Minister Tamang announced plans to begin runway expansion within a year. Home Minister Lamichhane pledged full support for the airport’s development.
Despite the successful test flight of the larger aircraft, night flights will not be possible until the runway is extended. The expansion aims to lengthen the runway to 1600 meters by utilizing land currently occupied by the Nepal Army’s horse breeding center to the west of the airport.