Heliport in Nalinchowk, Bhaktapur, Opens to Ease Kathmandu Airport Congestion

In a significant development aimed at reducing congestion at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu, the newly constructed heliport in Nalinchowk, Bhaktapur, commenced operations on Friday. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) undertook the initiative, investing Rs 110 million to build the facility on 33 ropanis of land in Suryabinayak-10, Bhaktapur.

The inauguration ceremony was officiated by Hit Bahadur Tamang, Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, who expressed optimism about the heliport’s role in alleviating TIA’s traffic woes. The event highlighted the heliport’s capacity to accommodate up to 17 helicopters, with provisions for simultaneous landing of four helicopters.

Director General of CAAN, Pradip Adhikari, emphasized the heliport’s strategic significance in managing air traffic, benefiting both helicopter service providers and local communities. CAAN has issued licenses to 12 rotary-wing operators, collectively managing around 40 helicopters, underscoring the growing demand and necessity for such infrastructure enhancements.