Lack of STOL aircraft affecting flight operation in Himalayan districts: Pandey

KATHMANDU: Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey has stated that a shortage of STOL (short take-off and landing) aircraft has created problems in providing regular air services to the Himalayan and hilly districts.

Speaking at an interaction in Surkhet on Friday regarding operating flights to various districts of Karnali Province, Minister Pandey said the ministry has proposed to add seven Twin Otter aircraft, one for each province, to improve flight frequency to remote Himalayan airfields.

“STOL aircraft of Nepal Airlines alone cannot solve this problem. We must add more aircraft with a long-term vision,” Pandey said, expressing confidence that transparent procurement and partnership with the private sector would help expand services.

Earlier, Karnali Chief Minister Yam Lal Kandel had drawn the attention of the federal government to the lack of flights to hilly areas from Surkhet. “The provincial government is ready to cooperate with the federal government. We request the federal government to prepare an action plan to deal with the problem,” Kandel said. He also proposed developing Surkhet Airport as a “Twin Otter Hub”.

Speaking at the program, participants said that although road networks have reached the hill districts of Karnali, geographical difficulties still make air service indispensable in the region.

A representative from Sita Airlines said that a shortage of passengers was also a challenge in operating regular flights. “Flights to Jumla, Simikot and other airfields can be operated from Surkhet only if there are sufficient passengers,” he said.

Civil Aviation Authority Director General Pradeep Adhikari said Surkhet Airport has the potential to be developed as a provincial hub.