KATHMANDU: The government has issued a directive to Nepal Airlines to prioritize flights to Chaurjahari in Rukum West, with other airlines instructed to be on standby.

Prime Minister (PM) Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda emphasized the need for focused air transportation to aid in the relief and rescue operations for the earthquake-affected regions of Rukum West and Jajarkot.

According to the Prime Minister’s Press Adviser Govinda Acharya, despite the postponement of the last flight, Prime Minister Dahal has emphasized the importance of conducting flights with a dedicated focus on Rukum.

Notably, the region possesses airports in Chaurjahari and Khalanga in Rukum, while Jajarkot’s airport remains non-operational, limiting transport options to smaller Twin-Otter airplanes within Rukum.

The government’s strategy involves using the Chaurjahari Airport as a base for providing services to the nearby Jajarkot district, considering their geographical proximity.

Additionally, Culture Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Sudan Kiranti stated that other airlines have been placed on standby in key locations such as Nepalganj and Surkhet, with a specific focus on Rukum.