Tribhuvan International Airport to function round the clock

Kathmandu / Mar 25: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Rabindra Adhikari on Sunday stated that the Tribhuvan International Airport would soon be operational for 24 hours a day.

Speaking at an interaction in Kathmandu, Minister Adhikari said that TIA’s technical capacity would be upgraded in order for it to run for 24 hours which would help reduce air traffic jam.

“We can operate the airport operations for 24 hours if we put in enough effort. If Mumbai airport, despite having only one runway, can function for 24 hours, then there is no reason for TIA to not do the same,” said Minister Adhikari.

He also claimed that Kathmandu would remain open for 18 hours under his tenure. “I will ensure that Kathmandu remains open for 18 hours and eventually upgrade that to 24 hours. With TIA functioning round the clock and Kathmandu remaining open for 18 to 24 hours, tourism business definitely will find a footing and then foster,” added Minister Adhikari.

He further claimed that the Gautam Buddha International Airport will be ready for operation by 2019. “Consensus has been forged between all stakeholders involved in the construction of the airport and work has been expedited. I am confident that it will be ready by 2019 and it will be helpful for reducing the current issue of air traffic jam,” claimed Minister Adhikari.

On the same occasion, Minister Adhikari also stated that he is formulating detailed plans in order to operate domestic flights from the airports like Pokhara, Bhairahawa and Nepalgunj.