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Beginning Monday, all flights approaching Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport from the northern end will be barred for at least three months due to the ongoing construction of a 175-meter entry/exit taxiway. This measure aims to facilitate the connection to and from the main runway. While international airlines predominantly use the southern end for landing, this restriction may impact 10-15% of domestic flights, potentially causing traffic delays due to the implementation of a one-way approach system. Airport officials have communicated this plan to all airlines, prompting them to adjust their schedules accordingly.
This construction initiative is part of the broader development plan outlined in the Tribhuvan International Airport Master Plan (2016-2028). Alongside the entry/exit taxiway project, there are two parallel taxiway projects underway—one on the southern side and another on the northern end of the runway. These enhancements are anticipated to augment the airport's capacity significantly, with estimates suggesting a potential 40% increase in runway capacity upon completion.
Furthermore, as part of the airport's expansion efforts, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal is planning the construction of a new international apron and hangar aprons. These developments aim to accommodate the growing demand for air travel and improve operational efficiency.
Despite record international passenger numbers in 2023, domestic air travel faced challenges, with a notable drop in passenger growth attributed to economic factors and accidents. Nepal's domestic airlines, comprising nine fixed-wing operators and 12 helicopters, experienced a 7.07% decline in passenger growth compared to 2022 figures. These challenges underscore the importance of ongoing infrastructure enhancements and operational improvements to ensure the sustained growth and efficiency of air travel in Nepal.
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