Airlines company itself may shut down if the Tribhuvan airport is not upgraded in time: AOAN

KATHMANDU, Nov 08:Airlines company are worried about incurring losses if Tribhuvan International Airport's upgrading construction is not completed on time.

The Airlines Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN) issued a statement on Wednesday stating that if the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) does not complete the construction of the link road between the runway and the parallel taxiway within the specified time frame, the companies will incur a complete loss.

If the upgrade work is not done within the stated period, the airline businesses would suffer significant financial losses, and the company will be close down. The AOAN has emphasized that the work must be completed within the specified time. 

If the construction work is not completed by the spring of 2025, the AOAN's member airline companies would suffer significant financial losses, and the company itself will be close down, according to the AOAN. The relevant agencies should exercise caution and execute the job cautiously.

CAAN has issued a 'Notice to Airmen' (NOTAM) to reduce the flying time at Tribhuvan Airport from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. for about 5 months beginning November 8th. As a result, National and International Airlines have reduced their flying schedule. Nepal Airlines and Himalaya Airlines are among those most affected by this.

According to the AOAN, they are optimistic about the airport's growth and infrastructure work, despite the fact that their flights will be decreased by approximately 30% when the airport's operating hours are reduced. The AOAN stated in its statement that they are always optimistic about this. Following the completion of the infrastructure, it is expected that national and  international airline flights will be easy, straightforward, and convenient in the long run.

Because the airport upgrades will take place during the winter months, regular flights will be hampered by fog and low visibility at the majority of airport. Even if the flight is in airports with night flights, it should be completed by 10 p.m.

The AOAN stated that because the airline companies' check-in counters close about 15 minutes before the flight time, travelers should arrive at the check-in counter at the time provided on their ticket.

Helicopters will take off and land from Nalinchok Helipad from sunrise to sunset under VFR flight and take off and land from Tribhuvan Airport from 8 am, so all the concerned parties have been requested to do the same.