Nepal floods spark debate over abandoned Langtang airport

Recent devastating floods in Nepal have prompted discussions regarding the utility of the abandoned Langtang airport. Aviation officials note that the lack of an operational airstrip and air traffic control in the Rasuwa and Nuwakot regions forced rescue efforts to rely heavily on military-supervised helicopter operations from open areas.

Experts suggest that an operational Langtang airport could have streamlined relief efforts, as a single small aircraft flight could potentially replace multiple helicopter trips. An active airport with communication infrastructure would have also assisted in coordinating the numerous civilian and military helicopters involved in the disaster response.

In a separate development related to the flood impact, a 30-year-old hydropower worker, Sanjay Sah, was rescued alive after being trapped for nine days inside a tunnel at the Trishuli 3A hydropower project. Sah, an employee of the Nepal Electricity Authority, survived the ordeal underground by communicating with other workers and turning to prayer. His rescue occurred on the Hindu festival of Krishna Janmashtami.