List of Major Airports in Nepal: Domestic and International
Nepal now has a growing network of airports to meet the demands of both domestic and international passengers. From small runways between the rural hills and mountains to bustling international airports in the centre-cities, Nepal’s aviation infrastructure plays a major role in connecting remote regions and facilitating international tourism. In this blog, we will explore a comprehensive list of airports in Nepal, covering both domestic and international facilities, their significance, and how they contribute to the country’s transportation system.
Airports in Nepal
Nepal maintains an extensive network of airports, catering to both domestic and international flights. With the tourism sector being one of the primary contributors to the national economy, air travel is essential for the movement of tourists, particularly those visiting remote areas. Additionally, many regions of Nepal are inaccessible by road, making air travel the most convenient mode of transport.
There are over 40 domestic and international total airport in Nepal, each varying in size and capacity. The busiest and biggest airport in Nepal is the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, which serves as the main gateway for international flights.
Kathmandu Airport: Tribhuvan International Airport
Kathmandu Airport, officially known as Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), is the primary international airport in Nepal. Located in the capital city of Kathmandu, it is the hub for most international airlines operating in and out of Nepal. TIA handles the ins and outs of the majority of Nepal’s air traffic, serving millions of passengers annually. It is the first airport in Nepal, inaugurated by King Mahendra in 1955 AD.
As the only international airport for many years, Kathmandu airport is equipped with modern facilities to handle both passenger and cargo flights. It also serves as the primary hub for domestic flights, connecting passengers to various local airports in Nepal. Through the decades, several expansions and upgrades have taken place at TIA, aimed at increasing capacity and improving services. However, with rising air traffic, Nepal has also focused on developing other international airports to distribute the load and provide more options for travellers.
List of International Airports in Nepal
As of 2024, Nepal has four operational international airports. These airports provide direct international connections and are strategically located across the central and mid-western urban regions to cater for connectivity across the country.
1. Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu
The main international airport in Nepal, TIA serves flights from across Asia, the Middle East, and other regions.
2. Gautam Buddha International Airport, Bhairahawa
Located near Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, Gautam Buddha International airport, serves as a major hub for religious tourism.
3. Pokhara International Airport, Pokhara
As a new addition to Nepal’s aviation landscape, Pokhara Internationa Airport caters to international tourists visiting Pokhara, a popular destination for trekking and adventure tourism.
4. Nijgadh International Airport (Under-Planning)
Set to become the new international airport in Nepal, Nijgadh is still under development. The airport is expected to alleviate air traffic congestion at the TIA. Once completed, it is intended to be the largest airport in the country.
List of Local Airports in Nepal
Nepal’s domestic air routes are connected to different remote regions. Due to the challenging topography, many areas are inaccessible or difficult to access by road. Nepal has over 30 domestic airports that cater to both regular and chartered flights.
Some local airports in Nepal in the remote mountainous regions include:
1. Lukla Airport (Tenzing-Hillary Airport)
Located in the Everest region, this airport is famous for being one of the most challenging airstrips in the world. It serves trekkers and climbers headed for Everest Base Camp.
2. Simikot Airport
Situated in the far-western region, Simikot Airport provides access to the remote areas of Humla, which are otherwise difficult to reach.
3. Jomsom Airport
Located in the Mustang region, this airport is a popular gateway for trekkers heading to the Annapurna region and the sacred Muktinath temple.
Airports Near the Indian Border
Nepal shares a long border with India, and several airports in Nepal are located near the Indian border, providing easy access for travellers from both countries. One of the most prominent airports near the border is Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa, which is close to the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Other airports near the Indian border include:
1. Janakpur Airport
Close to the Indian state of Bihar, Janakpur Airport serves religious tourists visiting the Janaki Temple, an important site for Hindu pilgrims.
2. Nepalgunj Airport
Located near the Indian border, this airport is a hub for flights to the mid-western and far-western regions of Nepal.
New International Airport in Nepal
As Nepal’s aviation sector continues to grow new airports are under construction in order to meet rising demand. The new international airport in Nepal, Nijgadh International Airport, is a key project aimed at transforming Nepal’s aviation landscape.
Nijgadh International Airport is being constructed in the southern plains, near the Indian border. Once completed, it is expected to handle millions of passengers annually, providing a second major hub for international flights. The airport’s strategic location near the Indian border will make it an important gateway for international travellers, especially those from India.
Conclusion
Nepal’s network of airports plays an integral role in connecting the country’s remote regions with the rest of the world. From the bustling Kathmandu airport to the many smaller domestic airstrips, the country’s aviation infrastructure supports both tourism and trade. With the recent addition of new international airports and the ongoing development of Nijgadh International Airport, Nepal is set to enhance its connectivity with the global aviation network. For travellers, both international and domestic, these airports serve as important gateways to explore the rich cultural and natural beauty of the country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A. Is there domestic flight in Nepal?
Yes, Nepal has a well-established network of domestic flights that connect major cities and remote areas. Airlines such as Buddha Air operate regular flights to key domestic destinations.
B. Which is the smallest airport in Nepal?
One of the smallest airports in Nepal is Lukla Airport, which serves the Everest region. It is known as the most challenging airport in the world for its short runway and mountainous terrain.
C. How many international airports are there in Nepal in 2024?
Nepal has four operational international airports: Tribhuvan International Airport, Gautam Buddha International Airport, Pokhara International Airport, and Nijgadh International Airport (under development).
D. Which airport is near the Nepal border?
Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa is one of the major airports located near the Indian border, providing easy access for travellers from both Nepal and India. Janakpur airport and Nepalgunj airport are also located near the Indian border.