Phungling, Feb. 12

The Suketar Airport in Taplejung district has resumed its operation since Sunday.

The airport was closed for a year for carrying out expansion and maintenance work.

National flag carrier, Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) conducted a test-flight on Sunday when its Twin Otter landed at the airport on Sunday.

The maintenance works of the airport were completed about two months ago. However, flights could not be operated because of technical hitches of NAC Twin Otters and adverse weather condition.

The 600-metre long runway of the airport has been extended to one kilometre after the maintenance. With the completion of the expansion work, it has become easier for the aircraft to take off and land, NAC officials said.

In the past, sometimes planes used to fail to land at the airport because of the one-way runway.

When the airport comes into operation in a full swing, airlines will operate flights to Suketar. This will not only help locals but also contribute to promoting the Kanchenjungha region and the surrounding areas as an important tourist destination.