Key Takeaways
• Nepal allocates Rs4.15 billion to develop Tribhuvan International Airport as a boutique international airport by 2025-26.
• TIA handled over 3.1 million passengers and 42,620 flights in early 2025, highlighting its critical role.
• Upgrades increased operational efficiency by 20-25%, adding taxiways and a new apron for 18 aircraft.
Nepal’s government has taken a major step to boost its aviation sector by allocating Rs4.15 billion for the development of Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu. This move, announced by Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel during the budget presentation for the 2025-26 fiscal year on May 29, 2025, is designed to transform TIA into a “boutique international airport.” The goal is to blend modern airport facilities with Nepal’s unique cultural and architectural heritage, while also addressing the growing number of travelers using the country’s main international gateway.
This investment comes at a time when Nepal is working to modernize its airports, improve safety, and make travel easier for both international visitors and local residents. The changes at TIA are expected to have a big impact on tourism, the economy, and the daily lives of people who depend on air travel.
Why Is Nepal Investing Rs4.15 Billion in Tribhuvan International Airport?
The main reason for this large investment is to help Nepal keep up with the rising number of passengers and flights. In the first four months of 2025 alone, TIA handled over 3.1 million passengers and saw 42,620 flight movements—with 10,335 international and 32,285 domestic flights. These numbers show just how important TIA is for connecting Nepal 🇳🇵 to the rest of the world and for supporting travel within the country.
By turning TIA into a boutique international airport, Nepal hopes to:
- Showcase its cultural identity through airport design and services
- Increase capacity to handle more flights and passengers
- Improve safety and efficiency for airlines and travelers
- Boost tourism by making a strong first impression on visitors
- Support economic growth by making it easier for people and goods to move in and out of the country
What Is a Boutique International Airport?
The term “boutique international airport” means more than just a modern building. It refers to an airport that offers a unique experience, often reflecting the local culture and history. For TIA, this means:
- Using designs inspired by the terrace farming of the Kathmandu Valley
- Including art, architecture, and services that highlight Nepal’s traditions
- Providing a welcoming and memorable environment for travelers
This idea was first introduced in Nepal’s government policy in 2019 and has been in development since late 2018 under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation.
Recent Upgrades: What Has Changed at Tribhuvan International Airport?
Between November 8, 2024, and March 31, 2025, TIA went through a major phase of renovations. These upgrades were part of a long-term master plan to modernize the airport. To allow for construction, the airport closed every night from 10 pm to 8 am. The main improvements included:
- Building a new international apron (a parking area for planes)
- Constructing parallel taxiways (paths for planes to move between runways and terminals)
- Adding exit taxiways on both the northern (Boudha) and southern (Koteshwar) sides
These changes were designed to solve long-standing problems with delays, parking shortages, and safety.
Runway and Taxiway Improvements
Before the upgrades, TIA’s runway was 3,374 meters long, but the parallel taxiway was only 1,900 meters. This mismatch caused delays because planes had to wait for space to move. Now, the taxiway matches the full length of the runway, allowing for smoother and faster operations.
The new taxiway is also positioned 172 meters away from the runway, compared to the previous 110 meters. This change meets international safety standards and allows large planes to move at the same time, reducing waiting times and improving efficiency.
Parking and Apron Expansion
A major part of the renovation was the construction of a new international apron that can handle up to 18 aircraft at once. This is a big improvement, as parking shortages often caused flight delays in the past. Additional aprons near relocated hangars were also built, making it easier for planes to move and creating space for future terminal expansions.
Efficiency and Safety Gains
Thanks to these upgrades, TIA’s operational efficiency has increased by 20-25 percent. This means more flights can take off and land each day, helping airlines and passengers avoid long waits. The improvements also bring the airport in line with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which is important for safety and for keeping international flights running smoothly.
Economic Impact: How Have the Upgrades Affected Nepal?
While the renovations have made TIA a better airport, they also caused some short-term problems for Nepal’s economy and tourism sector.
Short-Term Economic Effects
During the construction period, the airport’s nightly closures led to:
- Flight delays and cancellations
- A 30-35 percent drop in domestic flights
- A decrease in tourist arrivals during the second quarter of the fiscal year
- Reduced service exports, with the share of GDP from these services falling by 0.1 percentage points to 1.9 percent in the first half of the year
Economists and travel industry leaders criticized the timing of the upgrades, saying that doing the work during the busy tourism season made things harder for airlines, travelers, and businesses that depend on tourism. Some suggested that better planning or alternative solutions could have reduced the impact.
Long-Term Economic and Tourism Benefits
Despite these short-term challenges, the government believes that the investment will pay off in the long run. A modern, efficient airport is key to attracting more tourists, supporting local businesses, and making Nepal 🇳🇵 a more attractive destination for international airlines.
The new budget also includes plans to:
- Make domestic flights safer and more accessible
- Develop Pokhara International Airport as a tourism hub
- Equip Gautam Buddha International Airport to serve tourists and migrant workers with affordable services
This approach aims to spread international air traffic across several airports, rather than relying only on TIA. This could help reduce congestion, improve service, and support tourism in different parts of the country.
Historical Background: How Did Tribhuvan International Airport Get Here?
TIA has a long history as Nepal’s main international airport. It was completed in 1989 with help from the Asian Development Bank, and its design was inspired by the terrace farming of the Kathmandu Valley. Over the years, the airport has seen several rounds of upgrades and changes to keep up with growing demand.
The Boutique Airport Vision
The idea of turning TIA into a boutique international airport is not new. It builds on the airport’s original design and aims to create a space that is both modern and deeply connected to Nepal’s culture. The government’s master plan for TIA has been updated several times, with the most recent changes focusing on:
- Building a new international terminal where a golf course now stands
- Turning the current international terminal into a domestic terminal
- Moving hangars for Nepal Airlines Corporation and the Nepal Army
- Adding parallel taxiways on both sides of the runway
The Asian Development Bank has been a key partner, providing loans and grants for earlier projects, including a $92 million investment that began in 2010.
What’s Next for Tribhuvan International Airport and Nepal’s Aviation Sector?
With the recent upgrades finished and the new Rs4.15 billion budget allocation, TIA is set to continue its transformation. The next steps are likely to include:
- Further terminal expansions and renovations
- Better passenger facilities that reflect Nepal’s cultural heritage
- Continued improvements to runways and taxiways
- Advanced air traffic control systems for safer and more efficient flight management
These changes are designed to make TIA a world-class airport that can compete with other major airports in the region. The improvements will help Nepal 🇳🇵 support its tourism-driven economy, make travel easier for migrant workers, and provide better service for everyone who uses the airport.
Implications for Stakeholders
For Travelers
Passengers—both international and domestic—will benefit from:
- Shorter wait times for takeoff and landing
- More reliable flight schedules
- Better facilities and services
- A unique airport experience that highlights Nepal’s culture
For Airlines
Airlines operating at TIA will see:
- Faster turnaround times for their planes
- More parking space for aircraft
- Improved safety and compliance with international standards
For Tourism and Local Businesses
Tourism is a major part of Nepal’s economy. A modern, efficient airport will:
- Attract more visitors
- Support local hotels, restaurants, and tour operators
- Create jobs in construction, hospitality, and transportation
For Migrant Workers
Many Nepali citizens travel abroad for work. The improvements at TIA, along with plans for other airports, will:
- Make it easier and safer for migrant workers to travel
- Provide more affordable options for flights
Challenges and Considerations
While the upgrades and new funding are positive steps, there are still challenges to address:
- Managing construction without disrupting travel: The recent experience shows that timing and planning are important to avoid hurting tourism and the economy.
- Keeping costs under control: The master plan’s cost has already grown from $600 million to nearly $1 billion, raising concerns about budgeting and spending.
- Balancing modernization with cultural preservation: It’s important to make the airport modern and efficient while still reflecting Nepal’s unique identity.
Official Resources and Further Information
Travelers, airlines, and businesses interested in the latest updates on TIA and Nepal’s aviation policies can visit the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal’s official website. This site provides news, regulations, and details about ongoing projects at Tribhuvan International Airport and other airports across the country.
Conclusion: What Does This Mean for Nepal’s Future?
The Rs4.15 billion investment in Tribhuvan International Airport marks a turning point for Nepal 🇳🇵. By focusing on both modern facilities and cultural heritage, the government aims to create an airport that stands out in the region and supports the country’s long-term goals for tourism, economic growth, and global connections.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these upgrades and the boutique airport concept are expected to make TIA safer, more efficient, and more welcoming for everyone—from tourists and business travelers to migrant workers and local residents. The changes will help Nepal keep pace with rising demand, attract more visitors, and ensure that its main international gateway reflects the best of what the country has to offer.
For anyone planning to travel to or from Nepal, or for those interested in the country’s development, the ongoing transformation of Tribhuvan International Airport is a story to watch closely. The next few years will show how this investment shapes the future of Nepal’s aviation sector and its place in the world.
Learn Today
Tribhuvan International Airport → Nepal’s main international airport located in Kathmandu, vital for domestic and global air travel.
Boutique International Airport → An airport focusing on unique design and culture alongside modern facilities and operational efficiency.
Taxiway → Path that connects runways with aprons or terminals, enabling planes to move on the ground safely.
Apron → Parking area at airports where aircraft are loaded, unloaded, and refueled.
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) → A UN agency setting global standards for aviation safety, security, and efficiency.
This Article in a Nutshell
Nepal invests Rs4.15 billion in Tribhuvan International Airport upgrades to create a boutique airport blending modern facilities with cultural heritage, boosting safety, capacity, and tourism. Recent renovations improved taxiways and aircraft parking, enhancing efficiency by up to 25%. These changes support Nepal’s expanding air travel needs and economic growth.
— By VisaVerge.com
