Kathmandu — Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Badri Pande has admitted that a lack of Twin Otter aircraft is preventing regular flights to Nepal’s remote Himalayan and hilly districts.
Speaking at a meeting in Surkhet on Friday, Pande said the shortage has made it difficult to maintain reliable services in areas where air travel is often the only option. The discussion, held to explore flights from Surkhet Airport to Karnali districts, was attended by Chief Minister Yam Lal Kandel, former Chief Minister Jeevan Bahadur Shahi, provincial ministers, and other officials.
Leaders highlighted that while road networks have recently reached parts of Karnali, the region’s geography still makes air travel essential. Chief Minister Kandel said the provincial government is ready to cooperate but urged the federal government to set out a clear plan.
Civil Aviation Authority Director General Pradeep Adhikari added that Surkhet could be developed as a regional hub, with Nepal Airlines and private operators working together to expand flights to remote districts.
Minister Pande said the lack of Twin Otters is the core problem. “With only two aircraft under Nepal Airlines, the issue cannot be resolved. A long-term approach is needed,” he said.
He noted that the ministry has already proposed purchasing seven new Twin Otters—one for each province—through a transparent model, while also involving private airlines in service expansion.
Pande also pointed out that Nepal has 53 airports, but most remain underused. “Only a few operate regular flights, while many others—apart from Humla and Lukla—are almost inactive,” he said. Without new aircraft, he warned, life in remote districts will become even harder.
