POKHARA: The Pokhara International Airport, constructed with financial aid from China, is experiencing operational challenges, casting a shadow over its grand opening ceremony held by the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu.

On Monday, two flights departing from Tribhuvan International Airport had to return without landing at the Pokhara International Airport due to radar malfunctions. The incident unfolded when the VAHF system within the radar malfunctioned.

Both Yeti Airlines and Shree Airlines flights, scheduled for Pokhara, were forced to return to Kathmandu on Monday morning. Tribhuvan International Airport’s spokesperson, Subas Jha, explained that the aircraft was diverted back to Kathmandu because the pilots could not establish communication with the Pokhara Airport control tower. “Two flights returned to Kathmandu due to issues with the tower’s communication service,” stated Jha.

This airport was recently handed over to the government and began construction on 2 August 2016, following an agreement between the government and the Chinese government-owned contractor CAMCE.

To finance the Pokhara airport, the government signed an agreement with China’s Exim Bank in 2017, securing a loan of 1.37 billion Chinese yuan, with 25 percent of it interest-free, totaling 344.68 million yuan. The remaining amount carries a steep 2 percent interest rate, significantly higher than the interest rates on loans from international donor agencies, which typically fall below 1 percent. The loan has a grace period of 7 years and must be repaid over 20 years.

It was previously revealed that essential equipment was handed over without proper installation at the airport. The Instrument Landing System (ILS), a critical component for aircraft landings, was only installed after the airport was officially transferred. A tragic accident involving a Yeti Airlines plane occurred in Pokhara before the ILS installation.

The equipment was finally put into operation at the airport on February 23, despite the airport’s inauguration by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ on January 1. Tragically, the Yeti Airlines plane crash near the airport took place on January 15.

The preliminary findings of the government’s inquiry committee, tasked with investigating the accident, indicate that the primary cause of the crash was the propellers (blades) of both engines remaining fixed at a 90-degree angle instead of adjusting as required.

Furthermore, it has come to light that the Instrument Landing System (ILS) equipment was activated only after the accident at the airport. Jashoda Subedi, the airport spokesperson, confirmed that the device was installed on February 23. The ILS equipment is vital for safe landings, especially in adverse weather conditions.