As per reports, Nepal's Pokhara International Airport, funded with Chinese loans, is encountering a host of technical and engineering challenges. An in-depth study conducted by the Centre for Social Inclusion and Federalism, a local think tank, has revealed that designs for the airport, prepared by a Chinese company, were not subjected to scrutiny by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) and its leadership.

The study has highlighted a range of issues, including a lack of effective planning and coordination for the airport. Safety concerns, such as inadequate clearance of a landfill site both during and after the airport's inauguration, raise questions about passenger safety, as per the study's findings. Additionally, the study points out that CAAN officials modified pilot rules following the Yeti Airlines crash in January, allowing a pilot to test a new approach path with passengers on board, a decision that should not have been approved by air traffic control officials.

The study underscores a fundamental weakness in CAAN, which functions as both the regulator and service provider, a factor cited by the European Union in its ban on Nepali airlines.

Furthermore, the study reveals that the airport was inaugurated hastily, as evidenced by the government's decision to establish a customs office at the new airport just one week after its inauguration.

Pokhara International Airport is grappling with financial challenges, having already fallen into a debt trap. Its earnings have proven to be disappointing, and it struggles to meet its financial obligations.

To cover construction expenses and capital interest, the airport needs to generate $11.4 million annually. However, this presents a significant challenge, especially considering that Exim Bank China will require a monthly interest payment of $3.2 million in the next three months, adding further financial strain.

Chinese lenders, including the Export-Import Bank of China, have previously taken over assets in other countries, such as the Ugandan Entebbe International Airport, due to government failures to repay loans. The loan terms and payback period for Pokhara International Airport mirror those of previous cases.

As per reports, the study places responsibility for the airport's current predicament on CAAN officials and leadership. The airport was constructed under the direction of Pradip Adhikari, who also led another disputed project, Gautam Buddha International Airport. Adhikari, currently serving as the director-general of CAAN, has faced criticism for impulsive decisions and directives and has been linked to facilitating meetings with Chinese contractors during the Nepal Prime Minister's visit to China.

There have been allegations of Adhikari having close ties to Chinese contractors, manipulating political leaders, and engaging in media controversies, according to local media reports. This situation marks the first time in Nepal's aviation history that CAAN has been embroiled in numerous disputes and issues, damaging its international reputation, as reported by a former director of the authority.

Recently, Adhikari has been advocating for the construction of Nijgadh International Airport, ignoring environmental concerns and economic viability considerations, sources have stated. With Pokhara International Airport and Gautam Buddha International Airport facing challenges, the prospects for success of the new airport project remain uncertain.

Despite various questions raised about CAAN's leadership, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has not taken any action against Adhikari, according to reports.

Image source: The Kathmandu Post