This project, spearheaded by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), is expected to take around five months (Photo: tiairport)
Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu’s main international airport, is set to close for 10 hours each day starting November 8.
According to reports, this move has been strategised to accommodate runway expansion efforts aimed at enhancing airport capacity and safety.
This project, spearheaded by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), is expected to take around five months, with operations halted during nighttime hours for construction of a parallel taxiway that will increase the airport’s efficiency.
Pradeep Adhikari
Pradeep Adhikari, Director General, CAAN says that the new parallel taxiway will boost the airport’s operational capacity by 25 pc, allowing aircraft to avoid the main runway when moving between the apron and taxi area.
He adds that work in the summer would have been challenging due to the monsoon season, making winter the optimal time for the project.
The airport’s shutdown schedule and construction plans have been coordinated with all airlines operating at TIA, and according to CAAN, these improvements are expected to strengthen TIA’s capacity for future demands, making the expansion a priority.
Despite an anticipated revenue drop of NPR 2 billion (USD 14 million) due to the temporary closure, CAAN emphasised the long-term benefits for travellers and operators alike.
Adhikari also noted that to manage any potential travel disruptions, three airlines have committed to operating from Bhairahawa International Airport, with ticket prices from Bhairahawa made more affordable by government arrangements.