Controversy Surrounds CAAN’s Decision to Form Committee for Dharan Airport Feasibility Study

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has established a three-member committee to assess the feasibility of constructing an airport in Dharan Sub-metropolitan City. This decision by CAAN follows a directive from Sudan Kirati, the Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, who urged the formation of a ‘Dharan Airport Construction Study Committee’ to explore the viability of building an airport in Dharan. Notably, Dharan is located approximately 40 kilometers away from the operational Biratnagar Airport.

The committee, headed by Manager (Engineer) Nal Bikram Thapa, comprises members Manager Anil Basnet and Bimal Khanal. Despite CAAN’s intentions to explore the development of a new airport in Dharan, the decision has sparked considerable controversy on social media, with many individuals raising questions about the necessity and rationale behind constructing a new airport when an existing fully functional airport serves the region. This move by CAAN has left the public divided and eager to learn more about the potential advantages and drawbacks of this proposed airport project.