Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority is preparing to reactivate Mahendranagar airport in western Nepal after about 28 years of closure, with funding being allocated in the current fiscal year for runway and facilities work. The runway is being extended to 1,525 metres from about 1,000 metres, and ATR 72 aircraft are expected to be able to operate there once the upgrade is complete.
By the latest reporting, 1,450 metres of runway work had already been completed. Further tasks still under way include terminal refurbishment, completion of fencing and relocation of a power line before the airport can reopen.
The project is aimed at improving air access for the region and drawing more travellers from neighbouring India. No firm reopening date has been set, and the airport remains in pre-opening preparation rather than active service.