AIRPORT BOOM AND BUST IN NEPAL, SRI LANKA
Cruising Heights|December 2023
The fad for mega airports in Nepal and Sri Lanka has converted both countries into a graveyard of unused airports. But the thirst for more airports remains undiminished. A special report
AIRPORT BOOM AND BUST IN NEPAL, SRI LANKA

Nepal, nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, is grappling with a curious phenomenon-the incessant construction and abandonment of airports. The recent directive from Nepal's Tourism Minister Sudan Kirati to conduct a preliminary study on a controversial airport project in Dharan has brought this issue to the forefront. With a history of building airports under political pressure, Nepal finds itself with numerous underutilized airstrips, draining taxpayer money.

Constructing a small domestic airport in Nepal comes with a hefty price tag. Basic facilities require a minimum of NPR 300 million (approximately $3mn), while an airport with a concrete or blacktopped runway costs NPR 500 million (approximately $38,604,820mn). Annual operational costs amount to NPR 5 million (approximately 38 crores), not including regular maintenance expenses. For medium-sized airports accommodating planes like the ATR 72, the cost ranges from NPR 4 billion (approximately $30 mn) to NPR 5 billion (approximately $ 38mn). Despite these substantial investments, many airports end up underutilized, adding to the financial burden.

The driving force behind Nepal's airport-building spree is often attributed to electoral politics. During election campaigns, politicians make promises of gleaming airports in their constituencies, resulting in hastily planned projects. The focus appears to be on construction rather than the sustainable operation of these airports. Currently, out of the 55 domestic airports in Nepal, only seven operate at a profit, highlighting the impracticality of numerous underutilized airports.

The approval for the Sagarmatha Airport plan was influenced by Nepal's former Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Khadka, while the airport in Chalnetaar, Pyuthan, gained traction under the efforts of its former Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Bam Dev Gautam.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 2023-Ausgabe von Cruising Heights.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 2023-Ausgabe von Cruising Heights.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS CRUISING HEIGHTSAlle anzeigen
Adani Airport Thales Forge Strategic Partnership to Improve Airport Operations and Passenger Experience in India
Cruising Heights

Adani Airport Thales Forge Strategic Partnership to Improve Airport Operations and Passenger Experience in India

Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), the largest private airport operator in India, and Thales, a global leader in advanced technologies, today announced a strategic partnership to revolutionise AAHL’s international airport operations and passenger experience across the country.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
ADVANCING AIR MOBILITY OVERCOMING CHALLENGES, SEIZING OPPORTUNITIES
Cruising Heights

ADVANCING AIR MOBILITY OVERCOMING CHALLENGES, SEIZING OPPORTUNITIES

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), as analysed by M P RAJASEKHARAN, explores solutions for reducing urban congestion and enhancing access to remote locations through sustainable, automated air transport systems, addressing key challenges and future opportunities in this evolving sector.

time-read
10+ Minuten  |
November 2024
ON THE CUSP OF GROWTH
Cruising Heights

ON THE CUSP OF GROWTH

The growth of regional airlines in India will increase the market for regional jetliners.

time-read
10 Minuten  |
November 2024
BOEING STRIKE DISRUPTS INDIAN CARRIERS' EXPANSION PLANS
Cruising Heights

BOEING STRIKE DISRUPTS INDIAN CARRIERS' EXPANSION PLANS

The Boeing machinist strike has stalled aircraft deliveries, directly affecting Akasa Air and Air India Express, both of which are now facing delays in their fleet expansion efforts, highlights

time-read
6 Minuten  |
November 2024
REGIONAL AIRPORTS MUSHROOMING WITH CHALLENGES GALORE
Cruising Heights

REGIONAL AIRPORTS MUSHROOMING WITH CHALLENGES GALORE

Karnataka's push for regional air connectivity has led to a surge in airport infrastructure, yet many of these airports face challenges like fluctuating demand and limited flight frequencies. While the UDAN scheme has supported growth, the long-term viability of several regional airports remains uncertain, highlights

time-read
8 Minuten  |
November 2024
'PHARMACY OF THE WORLD' SUPPLY CHAIN WOES
Cruising Heights

'PHARMACY OF THE WORLD' SUPPLY CHAIN WOES

India's pharmaceutical sector, has achieved remarkable growth, but faces significant supply chain hurdles, including high logistics costs and limited cold chain facilities. Addressing these challenges is essential to sustain its global impact and future expansion, reports

time-read
6 Minuten  |
November 2024
BUMPER WINTER AHEAD FOR INDIAN CARRIERS
Cruising Heights

BUMPER WINTER AHEAD FOR INDIAN CARRIERS

The DGCA's winter 2024 schedule approves 25,007 weekly flights, marking growth for Indian carriers, with Air India Express leading in expansion and Vistara set to merge with Air India, analyses

time-read
4 Minuten  |
November 2024
AIRPORT ADVANCEMENT
Cruising Heights

AIRPORT ADVANCEMENT

Indian airports are placing a greater emphasis on digitalisation and enhancing their eco-friendly credentials, updates

time-read
8 Minuten  |
November 2024
THROTTLING AHEAD
Cruising Heights

THROTTLING AHEAD

The situation with the grounding of Pratt & Whitney GTF engines is now trending downwards, a report

time-read
10 Minuten  |
November 2024
Connecting cities to airports HELI-TAXIS ARE OUT, AIR TAXIS ARE IN
Cruising Heights

Connecting cities to airports HELI-TAXIS ARE OUT, AIR TAXIS ARE IN

As heli-taxis falter, electric air taxis promise to transform urban connectivity. Yet, scalability, regulations, and operational challenges must be overcome for them to deliver efficient, affordable city-airport travel, reviews

time-read
8 Minuten  |
November 2024