BARA: Travelers using Simara Airport in the Bara District, a key air link between Kathmandu and Madhesh, are facing fewer flight options and frequent delays as aging infrastructure continues to limit operations at one of the country’s busiest domestic airports.

The airport’s narrow terminal, short runway, limited aircraft parking, and lack of modern navigation equipment have restricted flight operations, particularly during fog and bad weather. The runway also remains inadequate for full-capacity ATR-72 operations and night flights.

The infrastructure constraints have already reduced airline services. Yeti Airlines and Shree Airlines have suspended flights on the Simara-Kathmandu route, while Buddha Air now operates four scheduled flights, serving only about 400 passengers daily compared with more than 1,500 a few years ago.

Airport authorities have proposed expanding the runway and terminal building and are awaiting approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal and other concerned agencies. Local business representatives warn that continued delays in upgrading the airport could further affect travel, commerce, and tourism across Madhesh Province.