KATHMANDU: The government has set a goal to remove Nepal from the international air safety grey list within the upcoming fiscal year.
Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel announced this commitment while presenting the budget in the joint session of the Federal Parliament.
Minister Paudel stated that necessary actions will be taken to enhance aviation safety standards and institutional capacity.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal will be strengthened by separating its regulatory functions from service provision to ensure better oversight and efficiency.
To manage the growing passenger traffic at Tribhuvan International Airport, the government has allocated Rs 415 million for capacity expansion and development of boutique airports. The government also plans to develop Pokhara International Airport as a major tourism hub.
Special facilities will be provided at Gautam Buddha International Airport to make it more affordable for tourists and migrant workers. Additionally, cargo services from the airport will be supported through special incentives.
Domestic and international airlines operating in Nepal will receive added incentives to increase flights from airports in Bhairahawa and Pokhara, boosting connectivity.
The government plans to advance the construction of Nijgadh International Airport using alternative development financing. Capacity expansion projects are also underway for Bhadrapur Airport in Jhapa, Tarigaun Airport in Dang, and Seketar Airport in Taplejung.
Preparations for constructing the regional airport in Surkhet are complete, and construction work will begin soon. Detailed feasibility studies and project reports will be prepared for Chuhan Danda Airport in Tehrathum, Ajaymeru Airport in Dadeldhura, and Sagarmatha Airport in Udayapur.
An amount of Rs 500 million has been allocated for the development of domestic airport infrastructure. Airports with low flight traffic will be repurposed in partnership with the private sector to support aviation training and adventure tourism activities such as paragliding, parachuting, ultralight flying, and skydiving.
Minister Paudel emphasized that economic and commercial viability will be the main criteria for building and expanding new domestic airports, ensuring sustainable and effective use of resources.
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