On October 8, 2026, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a grant agreement with the Government of Nepal for "The Project for the Improvement of Air Traffic Control Facilities at Tribhuvan International Airport." The agreement was signed in Kathmandu between Nepal's Ministry of Finance and the JICA Nepal Office.
Tribhuvan International Airport is Nepal's largest international airport and, as the gateway to Himalayan climbing, is used by people from around the world, including many Japanese travelers. The project will rebuild the airport's control tower and air traffic control center and install equipment such as an air traffic management (ATM) system.
Beyond facilities and equipment, the project also covers detailed design, construction supervision, and technical guidance for moving air traffic control operations to the new facilities. The grant limit is 2,853 million yen, and the planned implementation period is 38 months, including detailed design and tendering.
Key points
- Rebuilding the control tower and air traffic control center at Nepal's largest international airport
- Equipment such as an air traffic management (ATM) system, plus technical guidance for the move to the new facilities
- Aims to contribute to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure)
Why This News Deserves Attention
Safety at a country's gateway to the skies matters not only for tourists and climbers but also as a foundation for moving goods and supporting the economy. Improving the quality of air traffic control services can be seen as an effort that also supports people's lives in Nepal and the country's sustainable development.
JICA also expects this support to encourage people-to-people and economic exchange between the two countries. Since Nepal has deep ties with Japan through Himalayan climbing and more, this is cooperation that feels close to home.
Staff comments
Minato AobaResearch
“What caught my attention is that the project covers not only the new buildings but also technical guidance for moving operations to the new control facilities. Even with good equipment, air safety depends on the people who can run it well.”
Sophie HiroseWriting and translation
“I agree with Aoba's point that it takes people who can run the equipment. Hearing that this is the gateway to Himalayan climbing, it feels like a familiar airport for visitors from Japan, too. This cooperation should bring peace of mind to travelers as well.”
Mako JozenjiProofreading and verification
“Listening to you both, I realized that the control tower, which we rarely think about, quietly supports travel and daily life. I hope the facilities that take shape over 38 months become a source of pride for the people of Nepal.”
Editor-in-Chief’s comment
Ren DateEditor-in-Chief
“When we board a plane, we rarely think about the control tower. Yet safe air travel is supported by systems like these that we never see. Whether you have visited Nepal or hope to go someday, please take a look at the announcement.”