Works are underway to extend the Bumthang Domestic Airport’s runway which will allow planes to carry more passengers once works are complete. An international standard air terminal is also nearing completion. The Department of Air Transport says almost all facilities are being readied to start international flights from Bumthang in the near future.
The current runway which is only 1,200 meters long is being extended by half a kilometre. Works began in April this year and are expected to be complete by this October. This is done to enhance the carrying capacity of the planes.
“Our ATR aircraft has 40 seats but it can carry only 18 passengers due to heat and humidity, especially during summer. With the expansion, it will now be able to carry an additional 15 to 18 passengers. Moreover, a bigger runway will also add to the safety of our planes,” said DoAT’s Director General, Karma Wangchuk.
The airfield will also be resurfaced. The government-funded runway extension and resurfacing project is carried out with a budget of Nu 240 M. Once complete, the airlines will be able to start regional flights.
“In case the airline wants to operate international sectors such as Bumthang to Kathmandu, Kolkata, Bangladesh and Guwahati; so, it’s keeping that in mind that we have made provisions to convert the new terminal building to an international terminal,” added the Director General.
The terminal which was built for Nu 159 M through Asian Development Bank’s grant has been completed. The project’s completion was affected by harsh winter months where concrete works are restricted in Bumthang.
The Department of Air Transport says the government only needs to set up immigration, customs and BAFRA offices before the airport is opened to international flights. However, the airport won’t still be able to take in airbuses even after the expansion, as studies found technical shortcomings due to the narrow landscape.
Meanwhile, the DoAT says they are ready to start the service as early as next year if the government instructs them to do so.
Kipchu, Bumthang
