Airfare to Simkot jumps by Rs 5,000 during elections

By Rajan Rawat, Humla, March 2: Airfare from Nepalgunj to Simkot (the district headquarters of Humla) has risen to 14,000 rupees from Rs 9,000 during the election period. 

Private airlines increased the fare due to high passenger demand and fewer passengers returning from Simkot to Nepalgunj.

A passenger named Sonam Tamang, who arrived in Simkot from Nepalgunj on Sunday, said he paid 14,000 rupees for the ticket. 

He explained that he had to stay in Nepalgunj for four days before finally getting a charter flight ticket to Humla.

According to him, all 14 members of his group also paid 14,000 rupees each for their tickets.

The flight from Nepalgunj to Simkot takes about 40–45 minutes, depending on the aircraft. 

Previously, when private airlines operated scheduled flights once a week, the ticket price was around 9,000 rupees. However, as the elections approached and passenger pressure increased, the airlines stopped scheduled flights and began operating only charter flights.

Airlines said that because there are fewer passengers returning from Simkot to Nepalgunj, they are forced to operate charter flights. They also said that fuel price adjustments cannot be made under scheduled flight fares, so they are compelled to charge charter flight rates.

Despite the high fare, airlines are operating only one flight per day. Sita Air, Summit Air, and Tara Air take turns operating the daily flights. 

Even though many passengers are traveling to Humla for voting, travelers complain that airlines are still reluctant to operate charter flights fully.