SARBHANG

1 September, 2009 - There is some sign of development on the much debated and long awaited Yonphula airstrip.

A group of foreign air operators and their pilots will visit the airstrip in a week and provide suggestions on how to develop the airport, according to the information communication minister, Lyonpo Nanda Lal.

This comes after the cabinet issued its approval and direction to the department of civil aviation (DCA) to go ahead with the development of the domestic airport.

The director general of the civil aviation department, Phala Dorji, said that all research and groundwork were completed and work would begin by October. "We'll float tenders by the second week of September and expect the work to start by October," said Phala Dorji.

Airport work at Yonphula includes installation of meteorological equipment, repairing of the 1,200 m airstrip, removing hillocks and construction of a terminal complex at the airport.

The department will use the Nu 34m budget earlier allotted to develop the domestic helicopter service towards development of the domestic airport. The government has agreed to provide additional budget. "We'll have to construct other facilities like apartments for the staff once the airport is complete," said Phala Dorji.

According to him, Yonphula airport will be operational in the morning hours only. "Studies found that, towards afternoon, it's very windy and risky to operate flights," he said.

So far three local promoters have expressed interest to operate the domestic air service. They are yet to submit formal proposals. "We're expecting proposals from more parties, once the airport is complete," said Phala Dorji. Drukair earlier said that it is also conducting a feasibility study to operate the domestic air service.

Once operational, Yonphula airport would accommodate smaller planes with a capacity of 18 to 19 passengers. Initially, it will operate for flights between Paro, and then with two other domestic airports.

But work on the domestic airport in Bumthang has been delayed. Of the nine proposed sites, the DCA study found the one at Bathpalathang most suitable, convenient and cheaper to establish an airport. DCA's report awaits the government's decision. "There're technical and social problems with other proposed sites, besides the high costs," said Phala Dorji.

"Bathpalathang is government land, moreover, it requires less site development work, meaning it'll be cheaper," he said.

Cadastral survey at the 840 acre Gelephu domestic airport will be completed in a week and DCA is to submit the report to the government.

"Yonphula airport will be complete by December and functional by January next year," said Lyonpo Nanda Lal. The domestic air service from Yonphula is expected to boost tourism and the economy of the six eastern districts.

By Tshering Palden

source: Kuensel