Due to the initiation of renovation works at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), the airport will remain closed for nearly five months, from November 8, 2024, to March 31, 2025. The closure will occur daily from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM, allowing for the expansion and renovation of the airport’s infrastructure. As a result, TIA will operate only 14 hours a day instead of its usual 24-hour schedule, as announced by Tribhuvan airport authorities.
Upon completion of the renovation, the airport will feature several significant upgrades. These include an upgraded runway, additional parking aprons, and the construction of a parallel taxiway on the southwest side of the airport. The northern international apron will also be expanded, and a new hangar apron will be developed to the east. These upgrades are intended to improve air traffic flow, enhance safety, and accommodate growing demand at the airport.
During the renovation period, passengers may need to use alternative airports like Gautam Buddha International Airport or Pokhara International Airport to ensure that flights can still operate in and out of Nepal without major disruptions. Project Chief Dipendra Shrestha has emphasized that the construction works, including the new parallel taxiway, will enhance safety and air traffic management and that suspending flights during the designated hours will be necessary to maintain this safety.
Before the construction, TIA operated from 6:00 AM to 2:00 AM, but the renovation has temporarily limited its operational hours. This, combined with the extensive construction work, may cause significant inconvenience for both airlines and passengers due to the reduced hours of operation and the necessary adjustments to flight schedules. The closure of the airport during the peak tourist season, from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM, has been raising concerns among tourism entrepreneurs. Also, the fear that the restricted hours will lead to a rise in airfare prices as demand increases and supply decreases during the busy season is rising.
The closure of TIA for 10 hours a day for five months presents several challenges for the aviation industry. Flight schedules are also severely restricted, leading to potential backlogs and increased pressure on airlines to accommodate passengers. Additionally, a rise in ticket prices is expected as the limited operating hours reduce the availability of flights. Due to this, passengers may also face significant fluctuations in ticket prices due to uncertainty around flight availability, making it harder to plan trips affordably, especially during holidays or peak travel periods.
Despite the challenges, passengers can take steps to minimize inconvenience. Careful planning, flexibility, and staying informed are essential during this time. Travelers are advised to book early, monitor flight schedules closely, and prepare for potential delays or cancellations. If anyone has been planning to travel, it’s also important for you to consider alternative routes and remain in communication with airlines to get the most up-to-date information. With careful preparation, you can navigate the situation much more effectively and ensure a smoother travel experience despite the operational limitations at TIA.
An established company that offers flight ticket booking services in Nepal is Roaming Nepal. We assist you in reserving domestic flight tickets quickly, affordably, and with top-notch customer care. Join now to receive amazing flight discounts and a variety of flight alternatives.
