Navigate TIA's Closures for Stress-Free Travel

Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu will implement changes to flight operations starting November 8, 2024, for a minimum of five months. These changes are part of ongoing runway, taxiway, and parking area expansions. While the upgrades aim to enhance airport facilities, they will impact both international and domestic flights. TIA will be closed daily from 10 PM to 8 AM, affecting flight schedules during these hours. 

Reason for TIA’s 10-Hour Closures

For the improvement of TIA infrastructure, operations and safety, significant construction time are required, leading to daily closures from 10 PM to 8 AM for efficient project completion. Reasons for the TIA closures as followed:

• Parking Area Expansion
• Runway Expansion
• Taxiway Upgrades

Navigating TIA’s 10-Hour Closures: Tips for Stress-Free Travel

Closure of TIA aligning with the winter weather significantly affects the flights schedules. To stay stress free for your travel navigate through the following tips.

1. Stay Updated on Flight Schedules

Winter weather in Nepal, with fog and extreme cold, can severely impact visibility, complicating flight navigation. Additionally, air traffic control delays may affect flight times. To ensure a smooth travel experience, regularly check flight status via Buddha Air’s mobile app or website for real-time updates. Being informed about any changes reduces stress from unexpected disruptions.

2. Arrive Early for Check-In

Make sure you know your airline’s check-in cut-off time. Arriving after the deadline appointed by the airline might result in denied boarding, especially if you’ve missed the window for checked luggage drop-off. Check-in at the airport may not be time consuming but staying in the queue can be frustrating.

Airport check-in counters are expected to close before 15 minutes of the flight time. Arrive early for the check-ins and stay out of these hassles of waiting and being late. By arriving early, you ensure ample time for check-in, security, and any unforeseen issues, setting a positive spirit for the rest of your journey.

3. Maintain Adequate Layovers for Connecting Flights

Winter weather can disrupt flight schedules due to poor visibility. For connecting flights, ensure a layover of at least one day for international connections. This provides enough time to navigate the airport, pass through security, and accommodate any delays, ensuring smoother transitions between flights.

4. Understand Airline Cancellation and Refund Policies

Airline cancellation and refund policies vary based on factors like ticket class type and airline policies. Weather-related cancellations are possible, so familiarize yourself with the specific airline’s cancellation policy before booking. Also, refund processes may differ. Some airlines provide quicker refunds for credit card purchases compared to bank transfers. However Buddha Air refunds the cancellation amount within 1 week. 

Also find: Flight fare rules and regulation

5. Check Rescheduling Criteria

Flight rescheduling depends on the airline’s policies, the type of ticket, and the reason for the change. Always review the airline’s rescheduling rules and fees before booking, especially if flexibility is crucial. Policies can vary between airlines and fare classes, so ensure you’re clear on the terms and conditions for rescheduling. 

For rescheduling the flight schedules reach out to the airline or the third party agents. However, for seamless rescheduling and refund it is recommended to book from airline's itself.

6. Check Weather Before Booking

Monitoring weather forecasts before booking during the winter months is essential to avoid delays and cancellations. Plan extra time for travel, especially for connecting flights. Flights earlier in the day are often less affected by cascading delays than those scheduled later. By staying informed about weather conditions, you can make better decisions and reduce travel stress.

Conclusion

In conclusion, navigating (Tribhuvan International Airport) TIA's 10-hour closures during winter requires careful planning. Staying updated on flight schedules, arriving early, allowing ample layover time, and understanding airline policies can help ensure a smoother travel experience. Checking the weather and booking flights strategically, especially for connecting journeys, further minimizes stress. By preparing ahead, travelers can better adapt to potential delays, stay informed, and enjoy a more relaxed journey. Safe travels!