Dec 15, Kathmandu- Tikapur Airport in Kailali, which had been closed for 27 years, has resumed regular operations. Regular flights resumed at the airport today when Tara Air's Twin Otter airline number WY1701, carrying six employees including three crew members and 12 passengers, landed at Tikapur Airport at 1:44 pm.

Earlier, the airport, which had been in operation since 25 Ashwin 2041 BS, has been closed since Magh 2053 BS with the outbreak of armed conflict, informed Gyanendra Bhul, Information Officer of the Civil Aviation Authority. Minister of State for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Arun Kumar Chaudhary, who reached Tikapur through the first flight, was welcomed by Tikapur Municipality Mayor Ramlal Dagoura, Vice President of Tikapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry Krishna Bajgain, among others. Hundreds of locals present gave a grand welcome as the plane landed.