Tourism Info Nepal

Tribhuvan International Airport Expansion Accelerates with Parallel Taxiway and Apron Construction

Tribhuvan International Airport Expansion Accelerates with Parallel Taxiway and Apron Construction

Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), the busiest in Nepal, is undergoing a significant capacity enhancement with rapid construction activities. Since November 9, the airport has been closed for 10 hours daily to facilitate the development of a parallel taxiway, an international apron, and a hangar apron.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), the expansion project aims to modernize TIA’s infrastructure and improve operational efficiency. Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Minister Badri Prasad Pandey recently conducted an on-site inspection of the ongoing works alongside State Minister for Tourism Arun Kumar Chaudhary, Tourism Secretary Dr. Ganesh Prasad Pandey, and CAAN Director-General Pradeep Adhikari.

The Airport Capacity Enhancement Project, managed by CAAN, focuses on constructing a parallel taxiway in the southwestern section, an international apron in the northern section, and a hangar apron in the eastern part of the airport. The estimated cost for these developments is approximately NPR 15 billion.

During the inspection, Minister Pandey expressed satisfaction with the pace of construction, noting that modern equipment and a large workforce have enabled a war-like effort to meet the project’s timeline. “The rapid progress signals that the work will be completed on time, ensuring better-quality services,” he remarked.

The minister highlighted the need for timely project execution to avoid delays that have plagued other national infrastructure initiatives. He called on local authorities and civil society to hold construction companies accountable for their commitments.

Project Chief Dipendra Shrestha confirmed that more than 300 skilled workers and modern equipment are being deployed for the daily 10-hour work window. He noted that the parallel taxiway would increase runway capacity by 20–25% and facilitate smoother air traffic management.

To ensure safety, all flights from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. have been suspended during construction. Initially scheduled to continue until March 31, 2024, the project’s accelerated progress suggests that completion may occur ahead of schedule.

Nepal currently operates three international airports: TIA, Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa, and Pokhara International Airport. Established 74 years ago, TIA remains the country’s primary aviation hub, handling over 300 domestic flights and around 100 international flights daily. It serves 19 domestic airlines, including 11 helicopter operators, and 30 international airlines, including three Nepali carriers.

The expansion of TIA is set to significantly enhance its service quality, cementing its role as a critical gateway for Nepal’s growing air traffic.

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