Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), the country’s sole international gateway, is set to close its operations for a 10-hour stretch every day, starting November 8, 2024. The decision, expected to last until March 31, 2025, comes as the airport undertakes crucial infrastructure upgrades aimed at expanding its operational capacity. This scheduled downtime, which will see both domestic and international services suspended between 10 pm and 8 am, is part of a major construction effort to build a parallel taxiway.
This temporary closure is seen as a vital move to support long-term growth and sustainability of Nepal’s aviation sector. As the airport’s only runway struggles to accommodate the increasing air traffic, the expansion of the taxiway promises a 25% improvement in operational capacity, significantly reducing congestion and delays. A 30% reduction in flight frequency during this period may inconvenience passengers, but the CAAN (Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal) assures that the benefits in terms of enhanced airport efficiency and safety will far outweigh the temporary disruption. While the airport’s income is projected to dip by approximately NPR 2 billion during the current fiscal year due to reduced flight operations, this decision is being viewed as an investment in the future. Director-General of CAAN, Engineer Pradeep Adhikari, underscored that the construction could not be delayed, as the monsoon season would make such work unfeasible. The initiative will ultimately make the airport more resilient to future challenges and cater to the growing number of international flights.
This move is also part of the broader strategy to align with sustainable aviation practices. With growing concerns over carbon emissions and environmental impact, the phased development of the taxiway is seen as a more environmentally conscious alternative to increasing the number of flights. Passengers will be encouraged to use the newly expanded Gautam Buddha International Airport, which, in turn, could ease the pressure on TIA. The decision has sparked mixed reactions from the public. While some express frustration over the inconvenience, others recognise the need for such upgrades. For frequent flyers and business travellers, this means a temporary dip in convenience, but for Nepal’s broader aviation sector, it signals a brighter, more efficient future that could enhance global connectivity. Ultimately, Tribhuvan International Airport’s temporary closure serves as a bittersweet reminder of the trade-offs between short-term disruptions and long-term benefits. As the country seeks to modernise its infrastructure, it is clear that a sustainable, growth-oriented approach is essential to meet the demands of a rapidly expanding economy and global tourism.
