Kathmandu – Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) is set for a major capacity upgrade. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has announced that starting from November 9, the airport will close for 10 hours daily for nearly five months to facilitate expansion work.

The expansion will include a new parallel taxiway on the southwest side of the airport, the development of an international apron to the north, and a hangar apron on the eastern side. The project is estimated to cost approximately NPR 15 billion.

According to CAAN Director General Pradeep Adhikari, the new parallel taxiway will increase runway capacity by 20-25% and improve air traffic management. During the upgrade, all flights from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM will be suspended. Currently, TIA operates from 6:00 AM to 2:00 AM.

To ensure safety, Project Chief Dipendra Shrestha stated that the flight suspensions are necessary. CAAN has encouraged both domestic and international airlines to consider operating flights from Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa and Pokhara International Airport during the upgrade period.

Following Nepal’s bilateral and multilateral air service agreements, CAAN assured equitable flight management. CAAN has also urged all airlines to adhere to established regulations, ensuring fair practices and compliance with aviation laws.

Currently, TIA serves as the primary international airport in Nepal, operating with three international airports: TIA, Gautam Buddha International Airport, and Pokhara International Airport. TIA handles flights from 19 domestic and 30 international airlines, including 11 helicopter operators, with over 300 domestic and approximately 100 international flights daily.

Previous Expansions and Repairs

As Nepal’s oldest international airport, TIA has undergone multiple renovations and capacity improvements. In 2020, the runway was extended to 3,300 meters, requiring 12-hour closures from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Similarly, in 2018, the runway was fully resurfaced over a four-month period with a 10-hour daily closure, reducing approximately 30% of flights during that time.