Lawmaker Bajgain sounds alarm on Pokhara International Airport’s financial crisis and loan repayment challenges

KATHMANDU: Initially envisioned as a solution to alleviate congestion at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Pokhara International Airport is now posing a growing economic burden for Nepal. Despite high hopes of easing TIA’s traffic and boosting regional tourism, recent revelations underscore the airport’s financial strain on the country.

Parliament Member Rajendra Bajgain voiced concerns about the financial implications of Nepal’s loan from China for the airport’s construction in a Twitter statement. With an outstanding debt of 22 billion Rupees, the airport faces challenges in attracting international airlines since its inauguration in 2015, raising doubts about its revenue-generating potential.