Simara Airport to operate nighttime flights

SIMARA, June 10: Simara Airport at Bara is all set to operate nighttime flights from the upcoming fiscal year.

Bikram Raj Gautam, the chief at airport said that the preparation for the nighttime flights is at the final stage. “If everything goes as planned, we will begin the extended service from June 15 of the new fiscal year,” Gautam told Republica.

He said the “navigation instrument” have already been put in place for resumption of the service. “We have received all the equipment necessary for ground light and are preparing to install them in the ground blocks,” he added.

Airport officials said Indian tourists and businessmen will benefit the most after resumption of the service as the airport is near the major trade point between Nepal and India.

Yuvaraj Poudel, president of Simara Chambers of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) said that the locals in the area will also benefit from the nighttime air service.

According to a source at the airport, Buddha Air and Guna Air are planning to operate eight to 10 flights from the airport. Agni Air is planning to operate its flights from the airport very soon.

Apart from the central airport in capital, the airports of Biratnagar, Nepalgunj and Bhairahawa have been operating nighttime flights.