Kathmandu: Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) is set to close for 10 hours daily starting November 9, 2024, to facilitate runway extension work, coinciding with the peak tourist season. The closure will last for five months, significantly impacting the arrival of international tourists.
The airport will operate from 8 AM to 10 PM during this period, compared to its current operating hours of 6 AM to 2 AM. The TIA office has announced that the nightly closure from 10 PM to 8 AM is aimed at minimizing disruption during the busy tourist months, which peak from mid-August to mid-December.
Despite the TIA’s assurance that the necessary expansion work, including improvements to taxiways and parking, is essential, stakeholders are concerned about the potential negative effects on tourist arrivals during this critical season. A notice from the TIA office confirmed that the airport will only operate 14 hours a day during the construction period, emphasizing the need for these upgrades to enhance airport facilities.