March 20: Operation of flights to and from Baglung-based Balewa Airport has restarted after 26 years. The airport that was converted into a ground was brought under operation with the joint effort of Civil Aviation Authority Nepal (CAAN) and Baglung Municipality.

According to CAAN, the airport will start commercial flights from Friday, March 23. Tara Air recently made a flight on a trial basis on the runway on Monday, March 19. Director General of CAAN Sanjiv Gautam said it has sent required work force after assessing the technical aspects of the airport. He further stated that two flights of Nepal Airline Corporation and Tara Airline will operate on a weekly basis.

Janak Paudel, mayor of Baglung Municipality, informed that the renovation and inspection of tower has been done and all other tall constructions around the airport affecting air traffic have been removed. The operation of the flight will benefit the people of Baglung as well as Gulmi, Parbat, Myagdi and Mustang district, he said. Furthermore, the airport will help in mountain flights and ultra-light flights from Balewa as an alternative to Pokhara.