KATHMANDU CHAOS
The Independent|November 13, 2024
The Nepalese capital's shambolic main airport is a perfect case study in how to deter visitors, writes Simon Calder
Simon Calder
KATHMANDU CHAOS

In the days of the Hippie Trail, Kathmandu was six weeks away from the UK by Magic Bus - a fun and fume-filled vehicle calling at Istanbul, Tehran and Kabul. The happy hippies discovered an indulgent and intriguing city, the welcoming Nepali people and the prospect of trekking in the world’s highest mountain range.

These days the overland journey through Iran and Afghanistan is a tougher proposition. Instead, most travellers fly in. The nation needs all the tourists it can get right now, to rebuild after devastating floods earlier in the year. Yet at the height of the trekking season, Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority is making life extremely difficult for people to get in – and out.

The nation’s main airport, Kathmandu (KTM), has just started to close each night from 10pm to 8am until the end of March 2025. The aim is to improve the layout of taxiways and add muchneeded capacity.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة November 13, 2024 من The Independent.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة November 13, 2024 من The Independent.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من THE INDEPENDENT مشاهدة الكل
Murray to coach Djokovic for Australian Open title
The Independent

Murray to coach Djokovic for Australian Open title

Andy Murray will coach his longtime rival Novak Djokovic before and during the Australian Open in January.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 24, 2024
Jones's complex legacy adds intrigue to must-win clash
The Independent

Jones's complex legacy adds intrigue to must-win clash

It was with not inconsiderable disappointment that news came through on Friday afternoon that illness had laid Eddie Jones low and the Japan head coach would be unable to conduct a planned press conference.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 24, 2024
Mighty Springboks ensure Wales end year without win
The Independent

Mighty Springboks ensure Wales end year without win

Wales slumped to a 12th successive Test match defeat and head coach Warren Gatland saw the pressure ramped up on him as world champions South Africa won 45-12 at the Principality Stadium.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 24, 2024
Jackson profits as Chelsea put the chaos behind them
The Independent

Jackson profits as Chelsea put the chaos behind them

In typically unconvincing fashion, Chelsea march on, thanks to the striker who is now, nestled nicely in Erling Haaland’s slipstream, perhaps the Premier League’s second-most-effective marksman.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 24, 2024
Arsenal's heartbeat returns to restore missing quality
The Independent

Arsenal's heartbeat returns to restore missing quality

The Emirates rose to its feet as soon as it became clear Martin Odegaard would be departing.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 24, 2024
City slump to fifth straight defeat after Spurs mauling
The Independent

City slump to fifth straight defeat after Spurs mauling

Five in a row has taken on a different meaning for Manchester City and Pep Guardiola.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 24, 2024
‘No zero-risk flight paths remain over Middle East’
The Independent

‘No zero-risk flight paths remain over Middle East’

Aviation group warns of dangers ranging from attacks by Houthi rebels to overloads of air traffic control systems

time-read
2 mins  |
November 24, 2024
Satellites spy North Korea’s huge imports of Russian oil
The Independent

Satellites spy North Korea’s huge imports of Russian oil

North Korea has allegedly imported more than a million barrels of oil from Russia this year, flouting United Nations sanctions, according to satellite analysis.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 24, 2024
Cop29 secures last-minute $300bn climate finance deal
The Independent

Cop29 secures last-minute $300bn climate finance deal

Delegates finally agree after a dramatic day of prolonged negotiations and loud protests echoing through corridors

time-read
4 mins  |
November 24, 2024
Rabbits with missing eyes and ears had deadly virus
The Independent

Rabbits with missing eyes and ears had deadly virus

Dozens of rabbits found dead with missing eyes and ears had a \"dangerous\" and \"highly contagious\" form of hepatitis, according to the RSPCA.

time-read
1 min  |
November 24, 2024