Expired Access Passes Found in Use at Tribhuvan International Airport, Raising Security Concerns

Kathmandu. Expired access passes have been found in use at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. According to a high-level airport source, access passes valid only until December 2025 have been observed in use. Concerned officials have expressed worry that such negligence poses a challenge to security.

An access pass is an important permit allowing movement in sensitive areas. However, the continued use of expired passes without being updated is considered a clear indication of administrative weakness. According to security experts, the misuse of such passes increases the risk of unauthorized individuals entering the airport's internal areas, which can also affect national security.

Meanwhile, allegations have also surfaced that mismanagement has increased since Teknath Sitaula was appointed as the airport chief. According to some officials, decision-making processes have not been transparent under his leadership, and the influence of a few traders has grown. It is said that administrative work has been affected due to his tendency to remain surrounded by traders close to him.

Complaints have also been increasing regarding the access of only a few specific groups to various services and contract-related work within the airport. This weakens the competitive environment and also raises questions about institutional good governance. According to employees, the implementation of rules has not been effective in such an environment.

Although the government has been expressing its commitment to making the airport safe and organized according to international standards, such incidents show weaknesses in its implementation. Demands are rising for the concerned bodies to investigate immediately and take action against the guilty.

The use of expired access passes, a serious issue, will directly impact airport security, so there should be no delay in paying attention to this, said an airport official.