Nepal's largest domestic terminal nears completion in Biratnagar

By Navaraj Kattel,Biratnagar, Nov. 20: Construction of a new terminal building at Biratnagar Airport has reached its final stage, although the project is unlikely to be completed within the contracted deadline, which ends in a Nepali month of Poush. 

According to Sanjiv Khadka, an engineer at the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), overall progress has reached 75 per cent. “The civil works have been completed,” he said, adding, “Only the mechanical components remain.” 

He added that several airport-related equipment have already arrived, while others are on the way. Once the installation of these systems is finished, the remaining architectural works will also be completed, he said.

Engineer Khadka said although the contractor may not meet the Poush deadline, he is confident the new terminal will come into operation by the Nepali New Year (April 2026) 

The construction contract was signed in November, 2022 with KC–Danfe JV and the foundation stone was laid on February 13, 2023. 

The 16,277-square-metre building is being built at a cost of Rs 2.42 billion, excluding VAT. So far, the contractor has received 71 per cent of the payment.

Ramesh Poudel, project manager at KC–Danfe JV, said that more than 200 workers are being mobilised daily. He noted that some uncertainty before Dashain had briefly halted work, causing delays.

Once completed, the new terminal building will be the largest domestic airport terminal in Nepal. 

The terminal at Pokhara International Airport measures 15,000 square metres, while Gautam Buddha International Airport has a 14,000-square-metre terminal. Biratnagar’s new terminal will surpass both at 16,277 square metres.

The terminal is being constructed to the north of the existing facility, which was built in 2025 BS. After the move, authorities plan to extend the runway into the area currently occupied by the old terminal, adding around 270 metres to the existing 1,500-metre runway.

The new terminal will accommodate up to 550 passengers and feature 17 check-in counters. 

It will also include a VIP lounge, VVIP lounge, children’s play area, press conference room, customs and immigration sections, quarantine facilities and designated commercial spaces. The three-storey building will have four lifts and four escalators.

Bhavesh Shrestha, a tourism entrepreneur from Koshi Province, said the modern terminal could open doors for mountain flights from Biratnagar. 

He added that inter-provincial and cross-border flights may also become viable once the new infrastructure is operational.