Kathmandu, February 19

Tribhuvan International Airport has finally responded to problems faced by incoming passengers, who were forced to literally carry their luggage to the new parking bay located about 200 metres from the exit gate of the international arrival terminal.

From today, TIA has allowed incoming passengers to use trolleys to ferry their luggage to the new parking area. The decision comes after a campaign by The Himalayan Times, which was the first to highlight problems faced by passengers at TIA. It had also carried a photo feature, which showed passengers lifting their luggage on their backs or dragging them to the parking bay.

TIA, in a statement issued today, said the authority was very much aware of the hassles faced by passengers at the airport. “Allowing passengers to take trolleys up to the new parking area is one of the moves that we have made to address passengers’ concerns,” the statement added.

A Passenger arriving on international flight carries baggage as he walks towards the parking area at Tribhuvan International Airport, in Kathmandu, on Sunday, January 13, 2019. Photo: Skanda Gautam/THT

Despite the move, passengers exiting the international arrival terminal today were seen carrying their luggage on their backs or dragging them, as they were unaware of the latest TIA decision. “We will publish the notice in media tomorrow to inform the public about our latest decision,” said TIA General Manager Raj Kumar Chhetri.

The statement issued today by TIA adds that it has allowed 10 taxis and 10 tourist vehicles to queue in front of the exit gate of international arrival terminal. This was barred after the new parking bay came into operation, compelling passengers to walk all the way to the parking bay to grab a taxi or a tourist vehicle.

“We are conscious about providing better services at the airport and are trying to build our image as Nepal is all set to celebrate Visit Nepal Year 2020 by attracting at least two million tourists,” said Chhetri. Yet passengers are still suffering at the domestic terminal of TIA, where luggage clearance process is not only time consuming, but loaded with challenges, as it does not have a baggage carousel.

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