Tribhuvan International Airport Doubles Free Pick-and-Drop Window to 15 Minutes

Tribhuvan International Airport has introduced a one-month trial that allows private vehicles to use pick-and-drop services for up to 15 minutes without paying parking fees. The airport says the change is meant to make passenger transfers smoother, and officials have warned that any operator charging within that window could face strict action.

What changed at the airport

The new rule extends the previous free pick-and-drop limit from seven minutes to 15 minutes. According to the airport, the trial is intended to give drivers more time to drop off or collect passengers without the pressure of immediate parking charges.

That matters because the airport has long kept a short grace period for private vehicles. Its FAQ previously stated that private vehicles picking up guests were allowed five minutes free before charges applied, which shows the new 15-minute arrangement is a significant expansion of the free window.

Why the move matters

For passengers, the change could reduce congestion and frustration at one of Nepal’s busiest transport hubs. For drivers, it creates a more realistic buffer for loading luggage, coordinating arrivals, and navigating airport traffic without rushing to beat the clock.

The airport’s spokesperson, Sanjay Kumar, said the administration will take action against parking operators who try to collect fees during the free period. That warning suggests officials are treating the trial as a consumer-friendly reform that must be enforced consistently if it is to work.

A trial with broader implications

The one-month trial period indicates the airport is testing both passenger response and operational impact before deciding whether to keep the policy in place. If the arrangement proves effective, it could become a more permanent feature of airport operations.

The change also reflects a broader airport management challenge: balancing revenue from parking services with public demand for faster, cheaper, and less stressful airport access. At a busy gateway like Tribhuvan International Airport, even small adjustments can have a noticeable effect on traffic flow and customer experience.

What travelers should know

During the trial, private vehicles should be able to complete pick-and-drop transfers within 15 minutes without being charged. If passengers or drivers are asked to pay within that timeframe, airport officials say they should expect enforcement against the responsible operators.

For now, the key takeaway is simple: the airport is giving travelers a longer grace period, and it is publicly signaling that the rule is meant to be taken seriously.