Lack of funds has led to the cancellation of tenders floated for resurfacing works of the runways of two domestic airports in Bumthang and Trashigang. The Department of Civil Aviation is still waiting for funds to be released by the Asian Development Bank. The tenders were floated over two weeks ago.
The department requires over Nu. 50 million for resurfacing the runways of Bathpalathang and Yonphula domestic airports.
The department’s Chief Administration Officer, Karma Wangchuk, said ADB has asked the department to follow their procedures in fulfilling the formalities. “We had to send all the tendering documents for ADB to have a look at it. Now they are reviewing and by July 31, they will send it back to us and we will be having our documents ready for tendering.” He said the moment the fund is made available sometime in August, they will tender out the works.
The department says the airports are open for flight operations.
But the National airline, Drukair, is firm on its decision to resume flight operations only after the runways are well maintained.
The government spent over Nu. 60 million for the construction of Bathpalathang domestic airport and Nu.18 million for the construction of Yongphula domestic airport.
