KATHMANDU, May 22: The Surkhet airport will remain closed for another two days after a water pool was found underground during the runway repair work. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) had started the repair work on the 0.2 section of the runway, which led to the airport being closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.
However, while excavating the damaged portion, a water pool was discovered beneath the runway, which has resulted in an extension of the repair work by an additional two days, according to the CAAN in Surkhet.
Jomsom airport runway being repaired after two decades
Surkhet Airport Chief Hirajan Kafle mentioned, “We had initially planned to complete the work within two days, but after uncovering the water accumulation beneath the damaged section, we have decided to extend the closure of the airport for two more days to complete the repairs.”
According to Airport Chief Kafle, the repair work on the runway was initiated after the 0.2 section of the runway began to repeatedly crack, and a long-term solution was sought. However, upon discovering a water cavity inside the runway, it became apparent that the repair work would take some more time. He also mentioned that it is still uncertain where exactly the water has accumulated inside the runway.
Near the northern turn-around area of the runway, the ground has been repeatedly sinking and cracking. “Earlier, the cracked areas were temporarily covered in the morning to resume airport operations in the afternoon,” said an airport employee, “However, as this approach increased the risk, full-scale repair work was initiated.” The sinking and cracking issue on the northern runway has previously caused delays in the flight schedule as well.
-1200x560_20240917101949.jpg)
