Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) is taking steps to relocate its aviation fuel depot at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), a move driven by the depot’s outdated infrastructure, safety risks, and its location too close to the airport’s taxiway. The existing depot, which is over 50 years old, has a limited storage capacity and does not meet international safety standards, posing potential hazards to both flight operations and nearby settlements.
The new depot will be situated near Guheshwori, northwest of the current location, following the Tribhuvan International Airport Improvement Master Plan and recommendations from an international consultant’s study. A 50-ropani plot, located near the Nepal Army Golf Course, has been provided by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) for the project. NOC has already entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Tribhuvan University Institute of Engineering to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for the relocation.
The current depot can only store enough fuel for five days, which is inadequate, especially during peak periods like Dashain when fuel sales can reach up to 900 kiloliters per day. The planned new depot will feature modern technology and advanced safety measures to comply with international standards. Construction is expected to begin after the DPR is finalized, with a target completion date set for November 2027. The estimated cost of the relocation is approximately Rs 6 billion.
The move to relocate the depot gained added urgency after a tragic plane crash at TIA in July 2024, which underscored the safety risks associated with the existing fuel depot. As part of the government’s response to the crash, NOC has been instructed to relocate the depot within a year. This relocation is aligned with a Cabinet decision and is part of an ongoing effort to bring TIA’s infrastructure into compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
The existing depot’s location within the taxiway area creates significant safety concerns, as it is in close proximity to both the airport’s operational areas and densely populated neighborhoods. ICAO safety audits have often highlighted the depot’s deficiencies, which have negatively impacted TIA’s international reputation.
NOC, which holds a monopoly on fuel management in Nepal, is responsible for demolishing the current depot and constructing the new facility. This development is crucial as Nepal’s demand for aviation fuel continues to grow, and a modern, safer fuel depot is essential to support both current and future aviation needs.
