NEPAL TRAVELLER
Man Maya Airport also known as Khanidanda airport is a domestic airport located in Rupakot Majhuwagadhi serving Khotang district. It is a small airport but plays a vital role in the movement of local people.
The airport is named after Manmaya Rai who was the major contributor to building the airport. Due to its location at moderate elevation, temperature here is a pleasant in summers but winters can be bone-chilling cold. Landslides during monsoon are the major cause that disrupts service.
History
Established on 2003 the airport was built on the land provided by the locals. The airport originally had a 590-meter long dirt runway that marred operations during the rainy season. The runway was blacktopped in July 2015 allowing for year-round operations.
The airport was severely damaged by a landslide in 2018 after which the airport stopped operation.
Airlines and Destinations
The national flag carrier Nepal Airlines operates service through this airport. Although there are no regular daily flights the airport receives flights on a weekly basis. A flight to and from Kathmandu and Biratnagar are available from this airport. Besides the flag carrier other Airlines like Summit Air, Tara Air, and Simrik Airlines also provides service through this airport. Helicopter operator companies also have been playing an active role and providing service by chartered flights to and from the airport. The IATA code is KDN Whereas the ICAO code of this airport is VNKD.
Situated at an elevation of 1,358 meters above sea level the airport is in the proximity of the district headquarters Diktel. The airport has one runway made of asphalt and has a total length of 520 meters. The runway of the airport is suitable for small size aircraft. The airport serves as the connection to some of the most interesting places in the district such as Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi, Halesi-Maratika Caves and Barah Pokhari.
Compiled by Rina Kumari Mandal
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