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🇳🇵 Nepal /Energy & Infrastructure

Japan to fund new air traffic control tower at Kathmandu airport

From Kathmandu Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Japan will provide a grant of approximately Rs2.73 billion to Nepal for the construction of a new air traffic control tower at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport.
  • The new nine-story tower, to be built near the existing facility, will feature modern systems and technology to enhance air safety at the challenging airport.
  • This grant is Japan's fourth major contribution to Nepal's civil aviation sector, with the project expected to take three years and begin construction in October.

Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport, notorious for its operational challenges, is set to receive a much-needed upgrade with a new air traffic control (ATC) tower funded by Japan. The Nepali Cabinet has approved a grant of around Rs2.73 billion from the Japanese government for the project, marking the fourth significant Japanese assistance aimed at bolstering safety in Nepal's civil aviation.

The proposed nine-story tower will be strategically located on the eastern side of the runway. This new facility is expected to significantly improve air safety, especially given the airport's complex geographical setting. "As the existing ATC system is too old, we hope the new facility will help a lot to strengthen the air safety system, particularly for challenging airports like TIA," said Nabin Prasad Acharya, deputy director at the Air Traffic Management Department of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal.

As the existing ATC system is too old, we hope the new facility will help a lot to strengthen the air safety system, particularly for challenging airports like TIA.

— Nabin Prasad AcharyaDeputy director at the Air Traffic Management Department of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, commenting on the need for the new ATC tower.

The project encompasses not only the construction of the tower but also an air navigation service building and the installation of an advanced air traffic management system. The current control tower will continue to operate as a backup. Officials note that the new tower's height is restricted to 32 meters due to Kathmandu's valley geography, which necessitates careful flight path management.

This grant represents the largest assistance Japan has offered to Nepal's civil aviation sector. Japan's commitment to Nepal's aviation safety dates back to 1988, with increased importance following two tragic air disasters in 1992 that claimed the lives of 113 and 167 people, respectively, including Japanese nationals. If preparations proceed as planned, a formal agreement could be signed in September, with construction commencing in October.

Japan has been supporting Nepal’s civil aviation sector for a long time. This is yet another gesture of goodwill.

— Nabin Prasad AcharyaDeputy director at the Air Traffic Management Department of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, highlighting Japan's ongoing support.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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