KATHMANDU: The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has released a budget for upgrading several airports in Sudurpaschim Province.

A CAAN meeting, chaired by Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Prem Bahadur Ale, under the multi-year project decided in this regard.

Under the project, over Rs 15 million has been released for the up-gradation of Baitadi Airport, Rs 1 billion for Dhangadhi Airport, and more than Rs 26 million for Gokuleshwor Airport in Darchula.

Similarly, a budget has been allocated for the upgrading of Doti, Sanfebagar, Kamalbazaar, Mahendranagar, Bajura, and Dadeldhura airports.

The airport in Patan has resumed operation after 26 years following its upgrading at a cost of Rs 110 million. A Patan-Dhangadhi flight is being operated on Friday.