TIA to close for 10 hours daily starting Nov 8

KATHMANDU: Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) will be closed for 10 hours daily from Nov 8 onwards to carry out construction work aimed at increasing the runway capacity. This will involve building a parallel taxiway to the runway, which is expected to take about five months to complete.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), the work must be done now because it cannot be carried out during the hot season due to adverse weather conditions, and the monsoon period would make construction difficult. Therefore, the current time frame is the only viable option, said CAAN’s Director General, Engineer Pradeep Adhikari.

The Director General explained that the construction of the parallel taxiway would enhance the airport’s operational efficiency. He also emphasized that this project was planned about eight months ago and should not be seen in connection with the operations at the Lumbini International Airport in Bhairahawa. He assured that the project was purely a professional initiative and had no political or strategic agenda.

All relevant airlines have agreed to the planned runway upgrades, which will be carried out during the winter months when there are fewer flights. This will help minimize disruptions. Although CAAN anticipates a loss of about 2 billion Nepali rupees in estimated revenue for the current fiscal year, the runway expansion work is seen as essential to improving the airport’s capacity.

Once the taxiway is completed, the current need for aircraft to taxi on the runway to reach the apron will be eliminated, improving overall airport efficiency. Director General Adhikari stated that this expansion would increase the airport’s capacity by 25%.

He also explained that a minimum of 10 hours per day is required for the construction to be completed in five months. If the closure period were reduced to 8 hours, the work would take seven months and would affect the summer flight schedule. He also noted that November would be particularly impacted, as it is a busy period for flights to and from Kathmandu and other airports in the Terai region. The work must be completed now, as it cannot be done during the monsoon season.

The CAAN further clarified that the construction would not only reduce international flights but would also lead to a 30% reduction in domestic flights during the project period.

In addition, Director General Adhikari reminded that the government has already made arrangements to offer cheaper flight tickets for flights operating from Bhairahawa International Airport. He also confirmed that three international airlines have committed to starting flights from Bhairahawa in the near future.

“Although domestic flights will be reduced by at least 30%, we have already held extensive discussions with domestic airlines, who have been very supportive of the project. Once completed, the airport’s efficiency will significantly improve. This is something that pilots have been asking for, and they have shown full support for the project. Additionally, three international airlines will start operating from Bhairahawa soon,” said Adhikari.

The government has also decided to make flight tickets for Bhairahawa International Airport more affordable in order to encourage more flights.