Press Release

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) signed the Record of Discussion (R/D) for a new Technical Cooperation Project on "The Project to Improve Air Navigation Services for Enhancing Flight Handling Capacity at Tribhuvan International Airport" today.

The Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) is the hub airport for the domestic airport network as well as international flights in Nepal. In 2018, TIA handled 7.2 Million Passengers per annum in total. The number of international passengers has shown a steady increase since 2002, despite a temporary decrease due to the impact of the 2015 earthquake. However, due to COVID, the Air Traffic was again reduced, and in 2021 TIA handled more than 5 million passengers per annum and it is anticipated to increase further.

The project aims to enhance and improve the flight handling capacity of Tribhuvan International Airport. The expected outputs of the project is improvement of Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) / Airport Collaborative Decision making (A-CDA) at TIA, for effective use of airspace in Kathmandu Terminal Control Area (TMA) and enhancement of Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) system for efficiency of TIA operations. CAAN is the implementing agency for this project and the overall project period is three years.

JICA and Japan have been supporting CAAN for safety and efficient management of air traffic in Nepal since 1988. Realizing the importance of navigation, surveillance and communication system after the fatal crash of Thai Airways International Flight 311 on July 31, 1992 that killed all 99 passengers and 14 crew members, the Government of Nepal requested Government of Japan to install the first Radar in Nepal in the year 1996. Apart from Grant Aid and equipment installation JICA has also supported by dispatching different experts and Senior Volunteers and technical cooperation projects on establishment and operation of spare parts management center, and capacity development of operation and maintenance of aviation safety equipment.

For more details, please contact:
Ms. Brinda Singh - Public Relations Officer (JICA Nepal Office)
Singhbrinda.np@jica.go.jp