Although the final phase of infrastructure construction is underway at two international airports under construction outside the Kathmandu Valley, the modality of operation is yet to be finalized. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has moved ahead with the initial operation of both the airports after the modalities of operation were not finalized.

According to NEA, the work in Bhairahawa is 93 percent complete and the work in Pokhara is 65 percent complete. Bhairahawa is expected to be completed by next March while Pokhara is targeted to be completed by Chait. The deadline for completion of Bhairahawa Airport has been extended many times.

Munich, Germany, had proposed to move the operation of Bhairahwa airport on a public-private partnership (PPP) model. However, as the government has not finalized the modalities, NEA has stated that the work will be carried out on its own. Even though Pokhara is preparing to operate in PPP model, NEA is preparing to operate itself as the modality has not been decided yet.

"Both the airports will be operated by the Civil Aviation Authority," said Pradip Adhikari, director of the project. He said that the PPP model cannot be given in the model until the act is amended as there is no provision in the act to operate the airport in public-private partnership. That is why he could not come to Munich, Germany, the official said.

"As the law states that the authority to build, operate and manage the airport belongs to the authority, we are working accordingly," said the director. The official said that the NEA team will start operations as soon as the construction is completed.