AOAN's demand to upgrade airport on time

KATHMANDU, Nov 10:The Airlines Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN) demanded for the timely and thorough completion of Tribhuvan International Airport's upgrading project. 

On Wednesday, the AOAN issued a press statement informing interested parties that if the airport renovation is not completed within the time limit set, member airlines may experience financial losses and companies will be shut down.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) is upgrading Tribhuvan International Airport for about five months from November 8th. Due to this, a 'Notice to Airmen' (Notam) has been issued to reduce the previous 'flight time' and close the airport from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.

The AOAN is confident that the CAAN will finish the building of the Link Road connecting the airport runway to the parallel taxiway within the time frame provided. If the building work is not completed by the spring of 2025, the member airline company will incur a significant financial loss and companies will be shut down, the AOAN strongly urges that the involved bodies remain vigilant and take actions to improve it, according to statement.

Although reducing the airport's operational hours will lower member airline flights by around 30%, the AOAN has always been supportive of airport expansion and infrastructure development.

In addition, the AOAN believes that once the infrastructure is built, it will be easy, straightforward, and convenient for member and international airline flights and traffic in the long term.