Kailali: After a hiatus of 27 years, Tikapur Airport in Kailali has resumed regular operations. Today, a Tara Air Twin Otter aircraft (Flight YT 1701) carrying three crew members, six staff, and 12 passengers landed at Tikapur Airport at 1:44 PM, marking the official start of regular flights.

The inaugural flight was welcomed with enthusiasm by hundreds of locals and dignitaries, including the State Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Arun Kumar Chaudhary. Tikapur Municipality Mayor Ram Lal Dagoura and Vice President of Tikapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Krishna Bajagai, were among the officials present to receive the passengers.

Commitment to Upgrading Tikapur Airport

State Minister Chaudhary pledged to upgrade Tikapur Airport soon and announced plans for direct Kathmandu–Tikapur flights. “I had promised to operationalize Tikapur Airport during the last election, and today, it has become a reality. I will continue efforts to ensure its sustainability,” said Chaudhary.

Tikapur Municipality played a pivotal role in coordinating the resumption of flights. Mayor Dagoura Tharu explained that Yeti Airlines will operate flights between Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, while Tara Air will manage connecting flights from Nepalgunj to Tikapur.

Flight Schedule and Fare

Regular flights between Kathmandu–Nepalgunj–Tikapur and vice versa will operate every Sunday and Thursday. A one-way fare from Kathmandu to Tikapur has been set at Rs. 9,000. A partnership agreement between Tikapur Municipality and Tara Air ensures a minimum of 15 seats are secured for every flight, with the municipality covering any shortfall.

Booking and Accessibility

Tickets can be purchased through Pathil Holidays, the authorized ticketing agent, with outlets in Tikapur’s Siddhartha Hotel and Kathmandu’s Tinkune. Tickets are also available via the Yeti Airlines app, travel agencies, and digital wallets like Khalti and eSewa.

Boost to Local Connectivity and Tourism

The reopening of Tikapur Airport is expected to significantly benefit residents of Tikapur Municipality and nearby districts, including Kailali, Surkhet, and Bardiya, who previously relied on Dhangadhi and Nepalgunj airports. Currently, the airport’s runway has been gravel-paved.

CEO of Siddhartha Business Group, Krishna Prasad Neupane, expressed optimism that the operational airport would facilitate Tikapur’s development as a tourist destination.

Flight Operations and Future Expansion

According to Tara Air spokesperson Sudarshan Bartaula, Yeti Airlines will depart Kathmandu for Nepalgunj at 10:00 AM. Tara Air will then fly passengers from Nepalgunj to Tikapur at 12:30 PM, departing Tikapur for Nepalgunj at 1:20 PM. Yeti Airlines will subsequently fly back to Kathmandu at 2:05 PM.

In addition, agreements have been finalized to start flights from Kathmandu to Safebagar Airport in Achham. However, regular operations will only commence after successful test flights. Safebagar Municipality has also committed to securing a minimum of 15 seats per flight, guaranteeing funding for unfilled seats.

The resumption of flights at Tikapur Airport is expected to bolster local tourism and economic activities, marking a milestone in enhancing regional connectivity.