Nepalgunj: The construction of the new state-of-the-art terminal building at Nepalgunj Airport has been completed. This airport serves as the primary air service hub for western Nepal.

Sharma & Company, the construction firm, reported that the terminal building was completed three months ahead of the contract deadline, which was originally set for mid-January 2026 (Poush end, 2082 BS).

Nal Bikram Thapa, Project Chief of the Nepalgunj Airport Terminal Building Project, confirmed that the construction company finished the work three months earlier than the stipulated time, and preparations are underway for the handover within a few days. He mentioned that the planned handover in early September was slightly postponed due to the "Gen-Z movement" and weather conditions.

Project Chief Thapa stated that the modern two-storey terminal building is equipped with necessary infrastructure for both domestic and international flights, adhering to standards that include customs, immigration, and quarantine facilities.

Vinod Subedi, Manager of the construction company, reiterated that the work was completed three months in advance and that the handover would take place immediately after Tihar (a major festival). He attributed the early completion to the mobilization of 300 personnel working intensively day and night.

Sharma & Company signed the contract on December 16, 2022 (Poush 1, 2079 BS), to complete the construction for Three Billion Nine Crore Nepali Rupees (NRs 3.09 billion) by mid-January 2026.

Manager Subedi further explained that the two-storey building has been built with infrastructure that will support international flights, including separate office buildings for immigration and security. The building’s underground section will also feature various shops for the public.

Tanka Dhami, President of the Nepalgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated that the upgrade of the four-decade-old airport would facilitate pressure for flights to major Indian cities like Delhi, fulfilling a long-standing public demand.

Prashant Bishta, Mayor of Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City, expressed confidence that the construction of the modern terminal would make the long-demanded international flights a reality for the residents of the region.

Nepalgunj Airport was originally established in 1980 (2037 BS) at its current location, having previously operated from Khajura. Currently, the airport connects the region with the federal capital, Kathmandu, and various hilly districts in the Karnali region.