Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Sudan Kirati today said tourism is a pillar for the country’s economic prosperity. The sector could yield high foreign currency returns on even a small investment, he said while laying the foundation for a new terminal building for the Biratnagar Airport. The building and the expansion of the runway took place as per the need, people’s aspiration, and suggestions from the stakeholders, he said.

Similarly, Mayor of Biratnagar Metropolitan City Nagesh Koirala stressed the need for operating flights into mountainous areas from the airport targeting Indian tourists. Other speakers, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal Pradip Adhikari, Deputy Director General Hamsha Raj Pandey, hotel entrepreneur Rajan Shrestha and industrialist Rajendra Khanal underscored the need for operating flights from the airport to all 14 airports in Province 1.

The expansion of the runway aims to deal with possible pressure of passengers in the future, said the airport chief Rinji Sherpa. The terminal building spanning the total 16,277 square meters area is estimated to cost Rs 2.4 billion.