KATHMANDU: The government is preparing to open currently unused airports for recreational use and aviation training purposes under its new aviation policy framework.
The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation has introduced a proposal in the draft of the National Aviation Policy 2082, aiming to promote tourism and optimize underutilized aviation infrastructure.
As per the draft, airports that are not in regular operation could be repurposed for activities such as flying school training or tourism-related recreation. The ministry has stated that both public and private investment will be encouraged in these initiatives.
“Aviation training institutions and civil recreational activities will be allowed at currently unused airports,” the draft reads, adding that these efforts will also support the growth of the aviation sector.
One of the key incentives includes free access to airport facilities for flying schools during an initial operational period. The draft further proposes tax exemptions and operational concessions for such institutions until a specified number of years from their launch.
The ministry has collected feedback from stakeholders and confirmed that the final version of the policy will be released after necessary revisions based on the suggestions received.
