Tribhuvan International Airport Enforces Reduced Nightly Flight Hours for Enhancement Project

Starting November 8, 2024, Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) will undergo significant changes in its operation hours. The airport will remain closed from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM daily until April 2025 to facilitate the expansion under the Air Transport Capacity Enhancement Project, as stated by Dipendra Shrestha, the project director. The project, with a budget of Rs. 15 billion, aims to modernize the airport, reduce congestion, and enhance Nepal’s overall air transport capacity.

If you’re planning to travel to or from Kathmandu in the coming months, this development may impact your travel plans. Here’s everything you need to know.

What Is the Air Transport Capacity Enhancement Project?

The Air Transport Capacity Enhancement Project is a large-scale initiative aimed at upgrading TIA’s infrastructure to accommodate the increasing number of flights and passengers. The project includes:

• Construction of a parallel taxiway to the existing runway, which will significantly improve aircraft movement efficiency.
• Expansion of the international apron to the north to accommodate more aircraft, especially during peak hours.
• Expansion of the hanger apron to the east, allowing for better space utilization for maintenance and parking.

With a total investment of Rs. 15 billion, the project is expected to bring TIA on par with other modern airports in the region. However, to ensure smooth and uninterrupted construction, airport authorities have decided to halt all flight operations during the mentioned hours.

Impact of Nightly Closures on Flight Operations

Previously, TIA operated from 6:00 AM to 2:00 AM daily, handling a high volume of flights from early morning until late at night. However, with the new schedule in place, the airport will now only be operational for 14 hours a day. This reduction in operating hours is likely to have the following impacts:

• No flights between 10:00 PM and 8:00 AM: All international and domestic flights scheduled during these hours will need to be rescheduled, potentially leading to adjustments in flight timings.
• Increased flight congestion: With fewer operational hours, the airport will handle the same number of flights within a shorter time window, possibly causing delays and congestion during peak hours.
• Reduction in the total number of flights: The closure could lead to a decrease in the total number of flights, as airlines may find it challenging to accommodate all their schedules within the limited time frame.

Government’s Plan to Mitigate Congestion

To address the potential congestion at TIA, the government has proceeded with an action plan to operate two other international airports in Nepal to their maximum capacity. The government has introduced an attractive package of incentives, including concessions for airlines, to encourage using the two airports, which have struggled to attract regular international flights since their launch.

• Pokhara International Airport
• Gautam Buddha International Airport (Bhairahawa)

Both airports are expected to operate at full capacity to ease the pressure off Kathmandu’s air traffic. This move is anticipated to provide more flight options for travelers, especially those heading to the western and central parts of Nepal. However, as these airports are still in the early phases of becoming major international hubs, passengers may face limited connectivity compared to TIA.

19 Domestic Airlines and 11 Helicopter Operators operated around 300 domestic flights, and 30 International carriers operated 100 international flights to and from Tribhuvan International Airport while it was being operated at its full capacity previously.

These airlines will need to adjust their schedules to comply with the new operating hours, and passengers should expect possible changes to their flight itineraries.

What This Means for Travelers.

If you are planning a trip to or from Kathmandu during the construction period, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Check your flight schedules: Airlines may adjust their flight timings to accommodate the new operating hours. Be sure to confirm your flight details well in advance to avoid surprises.
• Expect delays: With the reduced operational window, there could be increased congestion during peak times, especially in the early morning and late evening hours.
• Consider alternate airports: If you’re traveling to regions near Pokhara or Bhairahawa, consider flying directly to these airports instead of transiting through Kathmandu.
• Book early: With fewer flights operating, seats may be limited, especially during the busy tourist season. Booking in advance can help secure your preferred travel dates.

Final Thoughts on Reduction of Flight Hours.

While the nightly closure of TIA may cause some inconvenience to travelers in the short term, the Air Transport Capacity Enhancement Project is an essential step toward modernizing Nepal’s aviation infrastructure. Once completed, these upgrades will significantly enhance the efficiency and capacity of TIA, allowing it to better serve the increasing number of tourists visiting Nepal.

For the latest updates on flight schedules and travel advisories, keep in touch with your airline or visit the official website of Tribhuvan International Airport. As always, we at Breakfree Adventures are here to help you navigate these changes and ensure a smooth travel experience.

Contact Us 

For assistance with your travel plans or to explore alternate routes through Pokhara or Bhairahawa, reach out to us at Breakfree Adventures. We can arrange airport pickup and drop services from and to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Pokhara International Airport, and Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa. We’re here to provide personalized guidance to ensure your journey to Nepal remains as seamless as possible.