KATHMANDU: Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu will be closed overnight from today until March 31, 2025, as announced by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN).
During this period, CAAN will implement a duty schedule of 6 hours and 50 minutes, with staff working in three shifts based on current arrangements.
The Air Transport Capacity Enhancement Project aims to expand the parallel taxiway on the southwest side of the airport, as well as the international apron on the north side and the hangar apron on the east side, with an investment of Rs 15 billion for these improvements.
Consequently, all flights will be suspended from 10 PM to 8 AM. Currently, the airport operates from 6 AM to 2 AM.
Project head Dipendra Shrestha emphasized that these flight restrictions are essential for safety during the construction.
Nepal now has three active international airports, with the recent operations of Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa and Pokhara International Airport following 74 years after TIA's establishment.
While the airport is closed, construction will proceed on the parking lot, taxiway, and hangar.
During this time, only a small number of employees will remain on duty for emergencies, while others will be reassigned to different tasks.