Tribhuvan International Airport

As Nepal’s busiest airport, Tribhuvan International Airport, located in Kathmandu is the country’s primary gateway for international and domestic flights. With over 7 million passengers passing through annually and future growth expected, the airport plays a pivotal role in Nepal’s transportation infrastructure. Serving over 30 domestic and international airlines, the airport operates as a critical hub for regional and global travel.

To ensure smooth operations across its extensive facilities, the airport required a reliable, scalable, and secure communication system. With Sepura’s SC20 radios, Tribhuvan International Airport has enhanced safety, improved operational efficiency, and achieved seamless connectivity for its teams across the entire site.

As the airport continued to grow, the need for an enhanced communication system became clear. The airport’s outdated analogue radio system could no longer meet its growing security needs or support future expansion. To address this, a more secure, reliable, and scalable communication network was essential. It needed to serve diverse user groups across the airport’s extensive facilities, including the passenger terminal, maintenance areas, parking lots, and remote sites. The new system also had to ensure seamless coverage in challenging environments such as underground tunnels and large buildings. Additionally, integration with existing airport technologies, enhanced security protocols, and continuous communication for workers in isolated or hard-to-reach areas were critical requirements.

After a comprehensive evaluation process and a competitive tender, Tribhuvan International Airport selected Sepura’s SC20 TETRA radios, paired with new TETRA infrastructure. This solution offered the airport a reliable and scalable communications network with top-tier security features, advanced data capabilities, and robust audio quality, making it the ideal choice for the airport’s needs.

The SC20 radios provided by Sepura deliver exceptional audio performance and powerful data capabilities, including GPS tracking, to streamline operations. Using the second data bearer, the radios connect to the airport’s Wi-Fi service, enabling integration with existing data systems and allowing real-time updates to be sent to the control room. Their high transmitter power ensures communication even in hard-to-reach areas where lower-powered radios might fail. Working closely with the infrastructure provider, the integration with the new TETRA infrastructure also ensures strong signal coverage across the airport, including remote, underground, and large building areas, where low-power radios may struggle.

The deployment of TETRA has had a significant impact on Tribhuvan International Airport’s daily operations. The communication system now supports improved collaboration between different teams, including maintenance units, cleaning crews, airline personnel, airside teams, and security staff. This has led to smoother passenger movement, fewer delays, and greater operational efficiency, which benefits both passengers and airlines.

The increased efficiency has also helped reduce the risk of delays and fines, as teams can now coordinate seamlessly across the airport. The system’s advanced security features ensure the safety of workers, especially those operating alone or in remote areas.

Key advantages of Sepura’s TETRA solution at Tribhuvan Airport

• Enhanced security: The TETRA network offers high-level encryption, ensuring secure communications across the airport.
• Robust audio quality: Clear communication, even in noisy or challenging environments such as the tarmac.
• Scalable solution: The system can easily expand to accommodate additional users as the airport grows.
• Seamless integration: Radios connect to the airport’s existing Wi-Fi service, streamlining operations through integration with control and data systems.
• Full site coverage: The system ensures communication across the entire airport, including difficult-to-reach areas.
• Operational reliability: Teams in hazardous environments benefit from devices built to withstand extreme weather and noisy conditions.

The successful deployment at Tribhuvan International Airport is part of Sepura’s broader global footprint in the aviation sector. Sepura’s TETRA solutions are trusted by major airports worldwide, including Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. These airports benefit from the same advanced data capabilities, proven reliability, and superior audio quality that Sepura provides to its customers around the globe.

Sepura’s SC20 TETRA radios have transformed communications at Tribhuvan International Airport. The scalable, secure, and reliable solution has not only improved daily operations but also enhanced safety for workers and passengers alike. The successful implementation of this system positions the airport to handle future growth and continue providing efficient services to its passengers and airlines.