KATHMANDU: Nepal has been making significant efforts to enhance its aviation infrastructure, aiming to improve national connectivity and spur economic growth.
However, the advancement of key projects like Pokhara Regional International Airport, Gautam Buddha International Airport, and the proposed Nijgadh International Airport has been marred by various challenges.
These issues have led to considerable debate over the feasibility, planning, and long-term benefits of these airports.
Talking about Pokhara Regional International Airport, it has been deemed costly and ineffective.
The Airport project was initiated to boost tourism in Pokhara, a city renowned for its lakes and proximity to the Annapurna mountain range.
This lack of airline interest is attributed to high operational costs and India’s reluctance to provide additional air routes near GBIA, raising concerns about the airport’s financial viability.
Funded by a loan from the Chinese Exim Bank and constructed by the Chinese state-owned firm CAMCE, the project has faced criticism for financial mismanagement and technical issues.
Originally budgeted at 22 billion Nepali Rupees, the cost of the project has escalated to 25.34 billion Nepali Rupees, raising concerns about potential mismanagement.
The airport’s design, which accommodates only narrow-body aircraft with a capacity of 80-85 passengers, has proven inadequate for attracting profitable international flights.
Consequently, the airport has seen only occasional charter flights, with no regular international services.
The financial burden of repaying a large loan from China, coupled with the airport’s minimal use, casts doubt on the wisdom of establishing an international airport in Pokhara.
Some critics argue that this project might be part of a broader strategy by China to foster debt dependency.
Despite these concerns, critics associated with China have generally remained silent.
The issues with Pokhara Airport have been scrutinized by the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) and the Office of the Auditor General.
Findings include unauthorized exemptions from customs duties, tariffs, and VAT, which have inflated costs.
Additionally, technical problems such as improper soil disposal and runway height adjustments have raised safety concerns.
Leaks and incomplete infrastructure further highlight systemic failures in the project’s implementation.
The Public Accounts Committee has set up a sub-committee to investigate these issues and provide a comprehensive report within a month.
Another airport is Gautam Buddha International Airport which is also deemed to be costly.
The airport in Bhairahawa was established with the intention of linking Lumbini—the birthplace of Buddha—with global destinations, particularly to attract Buddhist pilgrims and international visitors.
Officially opened on May 16, 2022, the airport was built with a funding mix from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the OPEC Fund for International Development, and the Nepalese government, totaling around USD 76.1 million.
Despite this substantial investment, GBIA has struggled to draw a wide range of international airlines.
Many environmentalists and legal analysts advocate for prioritizing the upgrade and expansion of TIA rather than pursuing new projects with potentially severe environmental and economic consequences.
The only service currently offered is by Jazeera Airways, with a limited schedule of three flights per week, which falls short of expectations.
This lack of airline interest is attributed to high operational costs and India’s reluctance to provide additional air routes near GBIA, raising concerns about the airport’s financial viability.
Passengers often face extra expenses when connecting flights go through Kathmandu, adding to the airport’s challenges.
Moreover, although GBIA is equipped with an Instrument Landing System (ILS) crucial for safe operation in poor weather conditions, it has not yet been officially approved for use.
This delay is due to the system not being included in Nepal’s Aeronautical Information Publication, a situation partly blamed on technical issues with India.
Some stakeholders suggest that GBIA could handle international flights via existing routes from Birgunj-Simara, but this remains unconfirmed.
These operational hurdles and the underutilization of GBIA have resulted in financial setbacks for Nepal.
In response, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has called for meetings to address these issues and develop strategies to attract more international airlines to both GBIA and Pokhara International Airport (PIA).
He emphasized the importance of effective planning to unlock the full potential of these airports and alleviate congestion at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, which is currently overburdened.
The focus should shift from blaming political issues with India to finding practical solutions. Key questions to address include why Indian security concerns were not considered in the airport’s design, why Jazeera Airways ceased its service, and whether there have been efforts to engage India in a collaborative resolution.
Another proposed airport in Nepal is the Nijgadh International Airport, which is marred by environmental and economic issues.
The airport in Bara aims to alleviate congestion at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).
However, the project is facing numerous challenges, including strong environmental opposition, ongoing legal disputes, and doubts about its economic viability.
In May 2022, Nepal’s Supreme Court intervened, halting construction and ordering a review of alternative sites due to concerns over the environmental impact of the project.
Clearing more than 2.4 million trees from a critical forest area, which is home to endangered species, was deemed detrimental.
Despite the court’s ruling, some political leaders and lobbyists continue to support the airport, citing its potential to ease TIA’s overcrowding and provide an additional entry point for international travel.
Critics, however, argue that the airport’s proximity to Indian airspace could lead to significant operational issues, such as delays and flight path complications.
The financial implications of constructing Nijgadh International Airport are another major concern.
The government needs to address these issues directly, ensuring that current airports operate efficiently and remain financially viable before embarking on new projects.
Given Nepal’s economic challenges and the underutilization of existing airports like GBIA and PIA, the necessity of a new international airport is questionable.
Many environmentalists and legal analysts advocate for prioritizing the upgrade and expansion of TIA rather than pursuing new projects with potentially severe environmental and economic consequences.
A thorough evaluation of Nijgadh Airport’s impact on the local ecosystem and its broader effects on Nepal’s aviation sector is essential before proceeding.
Currently, international flights from India enter Nepal via the Birgunj-Simra route, with air traffic control transferring these flights to Nepal at high altitudes.
Given Nijgadh Airport’s proximity to this route, there are concerns that its development could result in longer flight times and operational challenges during landing procedures.
Securing a formal agreement with India on airspace management is crucial before moving forward with the airport’s construction.
Nepal’s efforts to advance its aviation infrastructure are fraught with challenges ranging from technical faults and financial mismanagement to environmental impacts and diplomatic issues.
The problems facing Gautam Buddha International Airport, Pokhara Regional International Airport, and the proposed Nijgadh International Airport underscore the need for careful planning, transparent governance, and adherence to global standards.
The government needs to address these issues directly, ensuring that current airports operate efficiently and remain financially viable before embarking on new projects.
Prioritizing improvements to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), resolving issues at Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA) and Pokhara International Airport (PIA), and thoroughly evaluating the environmental and economic impacts of future airport developments are crucial steps.
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