The establishment of an international airport in the east was once again discussed in the National Assembly today. In response to queries from Bartsham_Shongphu MP, Passang Dorji, regarding the status of the government’s feasibility study for an airport in the east, the prime minister said that the studied locations cannot accommodate the required runway length. The prime minister, however, said that there is potential to build international airports in the east. Feasibility studies were conducted at Pongchula in Monggar, and three other locations in Trashigang. The prime minister said the project will be included in the 13th Five-Year Plan.
“It is not correct to say that Pongchula lacks the potential for an airport. According to the report, constructing an airport there would necessitate a significant expenditure. Similarly, while exploring three areas in Trashigang for the construction of an international airport like Paro, we encountered similar issues, particularly concerning the required runway length,” said the prime minister.
“However, this does not imply that these areas lack the potential for construction. If the airport is to be constructed, individuals whose homes are within the construction zone will need to relocate to a different area. We had preliminary discussions about this.”