Improvement of Civil Aviation in Nepal

The Kingdom of Nepal, with an area of almost 555,000 square kilometres and a population estimated at 9.5 million, is composed of three distinct geographical regions: the Himalayas in the north, the transitional zone of forests and fertile valleys, and the tropical Terai alluvial plains in the south. Not only are different parts of Nepal cut off from each other by the rugged topography, but the country as a whole has been largely isolated until recently from the outside world. However this isolation is breaking down as Nepal moves to modernize its economy. Aircraft have proved to be indispensable in the development of a transportation system and there are projects under way to improve facilities for air traffic. Kathmandu airport is now a fully developed all-weather airport capable of handling goods and passenger services of all kinds. All-weather fields are also in operation at Simara, Bhairawa, Pokhara and Biratnagar. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is assisting the Government of Nepal in its programmes by providing experts in civil aviation.

A view of Kathmandu Airport. [April 1970]

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