Kathmandu, Sept. 10 -- A high-level government panel has asked Investment Board Nepal to confirm the final investment decision on Nijgadh International Airport with potential builder Zurich Airport International AG.

The inter-agency project coordination and facilitation committee headed by Tourism Minister Yogesh Bhattarai on Tuesday told the board to seek confirmation from the winning bidder by September-end.

Zurich Airport International was named concessionaire in September last year to develop the $3.45 billion Nijgadh International Airport after the Swiss company outbid competitors, including the GMR Group, an Indian infrastructure giant.

The proposed airport in Bara, slated to become the largest airport in terms of area in South A...