Nepal Airlines resumes flights to Mugu after years of irregular service

By Hari Krishna Aidi, Mugu, Apr. 18: Residents of Mugu, one of Nepal’s most remote Himalayan districts, have long faced hardship due to irregular air services at Talcha Airport, but the situation is beginning to improve as Nepal Airlines increases its flight frequency.

For years, flights operated irregularly, forcing locals to pay high fares, and locals faced delays and hardship, mainly during the emergencies. Now, the situation has begun to improve. Nepal Airlines has increased its flight frequency to four days a week, bringing much-needed relief to the people of Mugu district.

According to Nabin Kumar Bista, Station In-Charge at Rara Talcha Airport, the revised schedule came into effect in the second week of February. Flights now operate from Nepalgunj to Talcha four times a week -- on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. In addition, a separate flight from Surkhet to Talcha operates on Thursdays.

The expansion of regular flights follows sustained efforts by local youth leader Anil Baniya, who had long advocated for better air connectivity in the region.

With regular services, locals, especially those needing urgent medical care, have seen significant relief. In the past, patients often faced life-threatening delays due to the unavailability of timely flights.

“There were cases where people lost their lives because they could not be airlifted in time,” said Mahendra Bham, a social worker from Chhayanath Rara Municipality-4. “This new schedule will help reduce such tragedies.”

Improved air service connectivity is also expected to benefit tourism in the region. Rara Lake, one of the country’s most famous tourist destinations, attracts both domestic and international visitors. 

Reliable flights are crucial for ensuring access to the lake, which remains difficult to reach by road. Bham added that easier air travel will benefit not only tourists but also patients, elderly citizens, persons with disabilities and students.

Anil Baniya, a social activist from Khatyad Rural Municipality-4, said that previously flights were scheduled only twice a week, and even those were often irregular. 

 “People in the area have suffered for years due to expensive fares and unreliable services. After continuous efforts, we have finally managed to secure four regular weekly flights,” he said.

According to Yamraj Singh, Nepal Airlines’ regional manager in Nepalgunj, one aircraft has now been stationed at Nepalgunj Airport to ensure regular service to districts in Karnali Province. 

He added that flights are currently being operated regularly across most Himalayan districts as per schedule.

To maintain safety standards, the aircraft is sent to Kathmandu once a week for routine maintenance, mainly on Fridays and returns to Nepalgunj by Sunday. Singh suggested that managing a maintenance team directly at Nepalgunj Airport would make operations more efficient and sustainable in the long term.

The increase in flight frequency is expected to not only ease travel difficulties but also support tourism and stimulate the local economy in this remote region.