Kathmandu, May 31
A group of Indian aviation officials is coming to Kathmandu in June so as to discuss possibilities of opening new air routes to and from Nepal.
Currently, all international flights entering Nepal, except those coming from China and Bhutan, come to Kathmandu via Simara. Nepal has been demanding that India open more of such points including those near Nepalgunj, Dhangadhi, Bhairahawa, Janakpur and Biratnagar.
Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Buddhi Sagar Lamichhane says the delegation of Airport Authority of India is coming to Kathmandu within next four weeks to discuss the issue.
India has been dismissing Nepal’s request to open more routes. Therefore, earlier discussions held in 2010 and 2016 had turned fruitless.
Though it is not sure whether India will allow the flights, the Nepal government has already announced to upgrade airports in Biratnagar, Janakpur, Nepalgunj and Dhangadhi to the regional level and operate regional flights from those places.
