KATHMANDU, April 22 -- A study committee formed by the government has recommended that the builder of the Nijgadh International Airport, planned for construction in Bara, be entrusted to operate the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu. Additionally, it has proposed that the operation of the airports in Pokhara and Bhairahawa be given to the same company.

The government formed the study committee on February 1 this year to explore the operation of Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Bhairahawa airports under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The study committee is chaired by former secretary Shankar Adhikari.

Presenting its report to Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Hit Bahadur Tamang on Sunday, the committee...