Er. Pradeep Adhikari

Director General

Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal

Why was Tribhuvan International Airport required to shut down?

The reason for temporarily closing the airport is clear: it is for construction work. To connect the newly built parallel taxiway to the runway, construction must take place on the section of the taxiway that connects to the runway. Since Tribhuvan International Airport has only one runway, it is not possible to conduct flight operations while this construction is underway.

According to ICAO regulations, an international airport runway must have a 75-meter clear zone on both sides, where no materials can be stored or activities conducted. To comply with this regulation, flight operations must be halted to carry out the construction work connecting the runway and taxiway.

Based on our construction schedule, the airport, which was initially closed for 10 hours daily, will now reduce its closure to 8 hours starting January 29, as construction has become more streamlined and is progressing well. This adjustment also aims to minimize disruptions to morning flights, which have been heavily impacted by weather conditions. Technically, it is not feasible to extend the runway or reduce the time separation between flights due to Kathmandu's geographical constraints. In this situation, the only viable solution is to maximize the use of existing resources by expanding taxiways, aircraft parking areas, and other infrastructure. This is why the Civil Aviation Authority is moving forward with these capacity expansion projects.

Why 10 hour Why are such long hours needed daily for five months?

The schedule was carefully planned based on expert analysis to ensure the construction requiring runway closures is completed within five months, provided no unforeseen delays occur. The 10-hour closure represents a full daily work shift. However, as previously mentioned, with achieved milestones, this closure will be reduced to 8 hours starting January 29.
Completely shutting down the airport for an entire day was not feasible, as it would bring all operations to a halt. The construction work to connect the taxiway to the runway is highly complex and intricate. Each day, after completing work, the construction site must be thoroughly cleared to ensure safe flight operations.
Furthermore, resuming work the next day involves additional time to set up and secure the site again. These processes add to the overall complexity and time requirements, making the daily closure schedule the most practical and technically sound solution.

Why was this time chosen, considering it is peak tourism season in Nepal?

This period is the most suitable for completing construction work quickly. Construction is not feasible during the monsoon season due to heavy rains. Moreover, from a tourism perspective, the work schedule minimally overlaps with the peak season, as it mainly affects only a few days in November.

Winter has already begun, and during this season, morning flights, particularly domestic ones, are often affected by fog. As a result, the airport can afford to open later in the day without major disruption. While some international flights are indeed impacted, alternatives have been provided.

Nepal's new airports in Bhairahawa and Pokhara are equipped to accommodate these affected flights and compensate for the reduced capacity of Tribhuvan International Airport.

What do you say to those who claim the Civil Aviation Authority is pressuring airlines to operate at Bhairahawa Airport for its own motives?

Such claims are baseless and reflect a lack of understanding. This is nothing more than unnecessary uproar from some General Sales Agents (GSAs) managing international airlines in Nepal. Among these GSAs are individuals disguised as businessmen, who neither care about the country's development nor its reputation.

Nepal's aviation sector needs development and modernization, along with international-standard infrastructure. We must also work to be removed from the EU's aviation safety blacklist. However, some individuals are solely focused on maximizing their immediate profits, indifferent to the country's long-term progress or financial stability. The temporary reduction in their earnings has caused this exaggerated reaction.

If they truly cared about the country's development, they would have worked to bring tourists to Bhairahawa and Pokhara airports, encouraging their airlines to operate flights to these locations. While it is true that some infrastructure is still being developed at these airports, instead of complaining, they could have lobbied the government for faster improvements.

Is the Civil Aviation Authority ignorant? Are all its staff and board members incapable?

The truth is, Bhairahawa Airport will not immediately generate significant revenue. Shifting flights from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa reduces Kathmandu's income without immediately compensating it through Bhairahawa.

The primary revenue source for Nepal's Civil Aviation Authority is Tribhuvan International Airport. Its income supports the operation of remote airports and services the debts incurred for the construction of Bhairahawa and Pokhara airports. Suggesting that the authority strategically shut down Kathmandu to force flights to Bhairahawa is entirely illogical.

No competent management team would intentionally take steps to lose revenue. Every decision is made with full consensus, considering the best interest of the country and the aviation sector.

What will happen after the construction of the taxiway?

Given Kathmandu's challenging geographical location and the limited land available for airport expansion, the only viable option is to maximize the use of existing resources. The alternative would be the development of Nijgadh Airport.

Currently, during aircraft taxiing for takeoff and landing, the aircraft occupy the runway, increasing runway occupancy time. To address this, a parallel taxiway is being constructed. The ongoing construction focuses on connecting this taxiway to the runway. Once completed and operational, aircraft landing or taking off will vacate the runway immediately by moving to the taxiway, freeing the runway for the next operation.

This improvement is expected to increase runway capacity by 30%. In practical terms, this means the number of takeoffs and landings will increase by 30% after the construction is complete. Additionally, the waiting time for aircraft will reduce, and turnaround times will be faster. This enhancement will ultimately benefit the entire aviation sector, including service providers.

Is further expansion work of Tribhuvan International Airport complete after this?

Based on the current area, there is no additional space available to significantly expand the primary infrastructure of Tribhuvan International Airport. Once the ongoing runway and taxiway work is completed, the airport's takeoff and landing capacity will likely be sufficient for current needs.

However, to fully utilize this increased capacity, the terminal building's capacity must also be enhanced. A new terminal building is essential. The current terminal is already handling passengers beyond its originally designed capacity, which has negatively affected the quality of service provided by the airport.

Expanding the terminal building is therefore unavoidable and is already part of the plan. Land has been leased from the Pashupati Area Development Trust to construct the new terminal building. This expansion will address the current limitations and support the airport's operational efficiency.

Is the aim to replace Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA)?

No, Tribhuvan International Airport is not only Nepal's primary international airport but also a strategic lifeline for the country. Its importance has been highlighted in critical situations: for instance, during the 2015 Turkish Airlines runway incident, Nepal's international air connectivity was disrupted for four days. Similarly, during floods and landslides that hampered road transportation, the airport played a vital role in connecting towns, cities, and remote areas, ensuring essential supplies reached affected regions. These examples underscore TIA's strategic and logistical significance.

Ensuring the optimal operation and safety of TIA remains the foremost responsibility of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). Given the geographical challenges and limited development of Nepal's road infrastructure, TIA serves as a crucial hub, connecting remote regions to the capital and facilitating international and domestic travel.

Furthermore, with the steady growth in international flights and passenger numbers, the airport's capacity needs to be continually enhanced. Tourism, a key pillar of Nepal's economy, demands an even greater frequency of flights and passenger handling. Rather than replacing TIA, efforts are focused on maximizing its potential and maintaining its critical role in the nation's transportation and economic framework.

The airport construction schedule is devised by experts

The construction schedule for the airport is developed through a detailed plan and technical consultations by experts. This ensures that, barring any unforeseen events, the work will be completed on time. Scientific studies and technical expertise have been employed for such a project.

To develop the country’s tourism, the number of flights must increase

To develop Nepal’s tourism sector and make international travel more convenient, it is essential to increase the number of flights and expand the airport capacity. Efforts are ongoing to improve and expand infrastructure, enabling all airports to operate more effectively.

If a new airline comes to Nepal, it can use not only Kathmandu but also Bhairahawa

If a new airline wants to enter Nepal, it can operate not only from Kathmandu but also from Bhairahawa and Pokhara. These airports have the necessary capacity to offer international flights. This will help expand air traffic across the country.

Let’s respect the country’s reputation; airports are sensitive matters

An airport is not just a basic infrastructure; it is a matter of the country’s identity and prestige. The operation, security, and development of vital airports like Tribhuvan International Airport should be handled with utmost sensitivity. To protect the country’s reputation, everyone must work together.

It is inappropriate for airline operators to pressure the Prime Minister to increase flights

Airline operators can discuss the need to increase flights with the government, but applying pressure is not appropriate. The development and decisions related to the civil aviation sector should be based on ICAO standards and technical assessments. These issues should be resolved through coordination and discussion, which is beneficial for all parties involved.

The argument to shift flights to Bhairahawa due to reduced flights in Kathmandu

Bhairahawa (Gautam Buddha International Airport) and Pokhara airports are new infrastructures that will help alleviate congestion in Kathmandu. We have not pressured any airline to operate from Bhairahawa; it is a commercial decision for the airlines. However, we are encouraging the utilization of these new airports, which will contribute to improving the overall aviation service in the country.

 TIA will operate for longer hours

 Tribhuvan International Airport to Extend Operating Hours from January 29 Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), which has been closing for 10 hours daily since November 9 (Kartik 23) for ongoing infrastructure upgrades, will soon reduce its closure duration to 8 hours. Starting January 29 (Magh 15), TIA will operate for longer hours to enhance passenger services and improve flight operations. Currently, the airport operates from 8 AM to 10 PM. From January 29, its operating hours will extend, opening at 7 AM and closing at 11 PM. This adjustment follows significant progress in the ongoing construction work and the airport's improved capacity to manage operations effectively. The decision also addresses the challenges posed by foggy winter weather, which often disrupts domestic air travel. By extending operational hours, authorities aim to minimize weather-related delays and ensure smoother flight schedules. The move highlights the positive momentum of TIA’s infrastructure development and its growing capability to handle both upgrades and operational challenges simultaneously.