Nepal’s Aviation Disparity: More Airports than Aircraft Domestically

Mayor Harka Sampang’s push for a new airport has sparked a lively debate across the country. The mayor’s strong stance on the construction project has drawn attention, but recent government data sheds light on an interesting situation. According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, the country boasts a total of 53 airports. However, only 33 of these are currently operational, creating a significant gap.

What’s particularly intriguing is that the number of airplanes in operation is even less, standing at just 52. This means that Nepal has one more airport than the number of planes actively flying in its domestic aviation sector. The discrepancy raises questions about the necessity and feasibility of additional airport projects, as there seems to be an imbalance between the existing infrastructure and the available resources.

While Mayor Sampang advocates for a new airport in Dharan, the broader context of Nepal’s airport-to-airplane ratio invites a deeper examination of the country’s aviation landscape. With 53 airports and 52 airplanes in operation, the nation faces a unique challenge in aligning its infrastructure development with the actual needs of its aviation sector.

The newly constructed Pokhara International Airport and Gautam Buddha International Airport are also facing huge financial and operational difficulties.