KATHMANDU: Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, has announced that the construction and operational modality of the Nijgadh International Airport, a national pride project, will soon be finalized.

Speaking at a meeting of the National Assembly’s Committee on Federalism Strengthening and National Concerns on Thursday, Minister Pandey emphasized the urgency of moving forward with the long-delayed project.

“Though Nijgadh is a national pride project, uncertainty still surrounds it. This year’s budget speech clearly states our plan to finalize its modality, and we will push this forward with urgency,” he said.

Acknowledging that Pokhara and Gautam Buddha international airports are underutilized—not due to flight routes but due to a lack of passengers—Pandey said several strategies are being developed to increase passenger traffic.

“Some airlines have reported losses in the millions due to low passenger numbers,” he stated. “To address this, labor permit services, manpower agencies, and health screening facilities should be made available near those airports.”

He also informed that six aircraft of Nepal Airlines are currently in operation and efforts are underway to ensure uninterrupted service.

Additionally, in coordination with provincial governments, plans are being made to operate small aircraft in hilly districts.