CHITWAN, March 11: Preparations are on to reopen Meghauli Airport that has remained shut for the past six years.
The airport, which was opened some six decades ago, lies in western part of Chitwan. It is the gateway to the western section of Chitwan National Park.
Krishna Bhurtel, provincial assembly member, Bagmati, said that the initiative to reopen Meghauli Airport was taken after realizing that the closure of the airstrip affected tourism activities in Meghauli. "As accessibility is a key to tourism industry, we are taking initiatives to re-open the airport taking opportunity of Visit Nepal Year 2020 campaign," he added.
Rhino Park to be constructed in Meghauli to promote tourism
Four years ago, local tourism entrepreneurs had held series of meetings with concerned agencies to reopen the airport. Some chartered flights were operated at the airport for some time. But flight operation stopped soon after.
“We are holding discussion with Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation for the upgradation of Meghauli Airport,” said Bhurtel. “Many new hotels have come up in the area in recent times. Meghauli has now become an important destination in tourism point of view."
Meghauli Airport was constructed built in 2016. It is older than the Bharatpur Airport. The airport was mainly used by the entourage of the then royal family during their trip to Chitwan National Park. The airport has recorded operation of as many as 10 flights in a day. The airport handled many chartered flights of Tiger Tops Resort. However, flights became irregular after the government asked resorts operating inside the national park to move out of the protected area.
New hotels have come into operation in Meghauli in recent years. Chaudhary Group has opened Meghauli Serai, while Hotel Barahi Group of Pokhara has opened Barahi Jungle Resort.
According to Bhurtel, high-spending tourists are the major clientele of these resorts. "The airport should reopen. There won't be shortage of passengers," he added.
ONE METROPOLIS, TWO AIRPORTS
Bharatpur Metropolitan has two airports – Bharatpur and Meghauli. While Meghauli Airport has remained closed for the past four years, there are scheduled flights to Bharatpur and from Kathmandu and Pokhara.
"Meghauli Airport can be an alternative to Bharatpur Airport once its runway is blacktopped and other facilities are added. There will be no difficulty in acquiring land for the airport," added Bhurtel.
Ten hotels and resorts of Meghauli area can accommodate 355 people at a time, while 10 homestay facilities promoted by local people can accommodate 80 visitors.
