Airports in Nepal-List of Major Airports in Nepal -2023
Nepal is famous for its majestic Himalayan mountains and rich cultural heritage, making it a popular destination for travelers from all over the world. Furthermore, there are many ways to explore this beautiful country. While road transportation is available, flying remains one of the most efficient and convenient options. In this article, we will take a closer look at the airports in Nepal that serve as gateways to different regions of the country.
Starting with the busy and bustling Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, we will cover a range of options, including the remote and challenging Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla.
By doing so, readers will gain a better understanding of the country’s air transportation network and the different airports they can use to access different parts of Nepal. So, whether you’re planning a trek to Mount Everest or a visit to the temples and bazaars of Kathmandu. Read on for a comprehensive guide to airports in Nepal.
Air travel has become an essential part of our lives, and airports have become the gateway to the world. Nepal, a beautiful country nestled in the Himalayas, has several airports that serve both domestic and international travelers. In this blog, we will take a closer look at some of the most important airports in Nepal.
This includes Kathmandu, Tenzing-Hillary, Biratnagar, Bhairahawa, Pokhara, Bharatpur, Janakpur, Jomsom, Dhangadhi, Mahendranagar, and Jumla airports.
International Airports in Nepal
Currently, there are three international airports operating in Nepal. But Kathmandu airport is basically used by many international flights. Pokhara Airport has not yet received any international flights although it is an international airport. Here is the list of the international airports in Nepal:
Tribhuvan International Airport
Additionally, Tribhuvan International Airport plays a vital role in connecting Nepal to the rest of the world. Over the years, the airport has been modernized to provide state-of-the-art facilities for passengers, including duty-free shopping, restaurants, and lounges. Despite its busy nature, the airport has maintained high levels of security and safety measures to ensure the well-being of its passengers.
Today, Tribhuvan International Airport features modern facilities and amenities for passengers, including a range of shops, restaurants, and lounges.
The airport also provides various services like luggage storage, currency exchange, and medical assistance to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free travel experience. Despite being the only international airport in Nepal, there are plans to construct new international airports in other parts of the country to further boost the tourism industry.
This includes Pokhara International Airport. It was recently inaugurated and will receive and operate international flights in the future.
The construction of new airports is expected to provide more convenient travel options for tourists and business travelers alike and help the country’s economy by attracting more visitors to Nepal.
However, Tribhuvan International Airport will continue to play a significant role in the country’s air transport sector, serving as the primary gateway for travelers arriving in Nepal from around the world.
Despite its challenges, such as congestion and less parking space, Tribhuvan Airport remains a vital gateway to Nepal for both tourists and locals alike.
Bhairahawa International Airport
Bhairahawa Airport, also known as Gautam Buddha Airport, is located in the Rupandehi district of Nepal. The airport was recently upgraded to an international airport, allowing it to serve as a gateway to Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha. Additionally, the airport is serviced by several domestic airlines, including Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines, with plans to introduce international flights in the near future.
On the other hand, Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA) is a new international airport located in Bhairahawa, near the border with India. The airport is named after the Buddha and is expected to play a significant role in promoting tourism and trade in the region.
Despite still being under construction, the airport is expected to be operational in the near future, opening up new opportunities for travelers and businesses alike.
Pokhara International Airport
Pokhara Airport, also known as Gandaki Airport, is located in the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara. Furthermore, the airport serves as the gateway to the Annapurna region, making it a popular destination for domestic and international tourists alike. In addition, it is serviced by several domestic airlines, including Yeti Airlines, Buddha Air, and Tara Air.
Notably, the airport was recently upgraded to an international airport.
Pokhara International Airport is a recently constructed airport located in the city of Pokhara in Nepal. Despite being one of the most modern airports in the country, it has state-of-the-art facilities and a longer runway than many of Nepal’s other airports.
As a result, the airport serves as a gateway to the popular Annapurna trekking region, as well as the city of Pokhara itself.
Moreover, it is famous for its stunning lakeside views and adventure activities such as paragliding and bungee jumping. Currently, the airport offers flights to several destinations within Nepal, with plans to expand its international offerings in the future.
With its modern infrastructure and scenic location, Pokhara International Airport is likely to become a popular choice for travelers visiting Nepal.
Domestic Airports in Nepal
There are 53 airports in Nepal but out of them, only 33 are functional. And out of 33 airports, 10 are self-sustaining and 24 are in loss. And even now, some of the major cities do not have a functioning airports. Here is the list of 10 functional major domestic airports in Nepal currently.
Biratnagar Airport
Biratnagar Airport is a domestic airport located in the city of Biratnagar, Morang in eastern Nepal. It serves as a hub for several domestic airlines, connecting the city to other destinations within Nepal. The airport features a single runway and a small terminal building,
which can become crowded during peak travel times. Despite its limited facilities, Biratnagar Airport remains an important transportation hub for the region, with flights to and from major cities such as Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Biratnagar Airport lies in the Morang district of Nepal and is the second-busiest airport in the country after Kathmandu Airport.
The airport serves as a hub for several domestic airlines, including Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines. The airport is an important gateway to the eastern region of Nepal, including the famous Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve.
Bharatpur Airport
Bharatpur Airport or Chitwan Airport is a small domestic airport in the city of Bharatpur in central Nepal. Specifically, the airport serves as a gateway to the Chitwan National Park, a popular tourist destination known for its wildlife and natural beauty. It is serviced by several domestic airlines, including Yeti Airlines, Buddha Air, and Tara Air.
Moreover, Bharatpur Airport has a single runway and a small terminal building, which offers basic amenities for travelers. The airport connects the city to other destinations within Nepal, including Kathmandu and Pokhara. Additionally, it is a popular choice for those looking to visit the Chitwan National Park region.
Chandragadhi Airport
In Jhapa, Nepal, there is a domestic airport called Chandragadhi Airport. It is approximately 14 km from the city center of Bhadrapur and 9 km from the city center of Birtamod. The airport serves as an important gateway for travelers to the eastern part of Nepal and neighboring Indian cities like Siliguri and Bagdogra.
Furthermore, it has a single runway and operates flights by domestic airlines like Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, and Shree Airlines to major cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Biratnagar.
The airport also offers basic facilities like a waiting lounge, parking area, and food and beverage options for passengers.
Nepalgunj Airport
Nepalgunj Airport is a domestic airport located in the Banke district of Nepal. It is approximately 6 km southeast of Nepalgunj city, which is the capital city of Banke district. The airport is an important gateway for travelers visiting the western region of Nepal, particularly the famous Bardia National Park.
This airport has a single runway and operates flights by domestic airlines like Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, and Nepal Airlines to major cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara. It offers basic facilities like a waiting lounge, a parking area, and food and beverage options for passengers.
In addition, the airport is also equipped with a VIP lounge to cater to the needs of VIPs and dignitaries.
Tenzing-Hillary Airport
Located in the Solu Khumbu region of Nepal, Tenzing-Hillary Airport is one of the most dangerous airports in the world. The airport is at an altitude of 9,334 feet and has a short runway that is only 1,729 feet long.
It is the gateway to the famous trek to Mount Everest Base Camp, and it is the main airport for the region. And it is named after Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary, the first men to successfully summit Mount Everest.
Tenzing-Hillary Airport, popular as Lukla Airport, is situated in Nepal’s SoluKhumbu area. Due to its short runway, high altitude, and location in the middle of the Himalayas. It makes its name in one of the most dangerous airports in the world.
The airport is the starting point for many treks and expeditions to Mount Everest and the surrounding region. Flights from Kathmandu to Lukla are operated by several domestic airlines, including Tara Air, Yeti Airlines, and Sita Air.
Dhangadhi Airport
Dhangadhi Airport is a domestic airport located in the Kailali district of Nepal. Firstly, the airport serves as an important gateway for travelers visiting the far-western region of Nepal.
The airport is serviced by several domestic airlines, including Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines. Additionally, Dhangadhi is a popular destination for adventure sports, including rafting and trekking.
It is approximately 9 km east of Dhangadhi city, which is the capital city of the Kailali district. The airport has a single runway and operates flights by domestic airlines like Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, and Shree Airlines to major cities like Kathmandu and Nepalgunj.
Moreover, it offers basic facilities like a waiting lounge, parking area, and food and beverage options for passengers. In addition, the airport is also equipped with a VIP lounge to cater to the needs of VIPs and dignitaries.
Simikot Airport
Located in the Humla district of Nepal, Simikot Airport is the only air gateway to the remote and mountainous Humla district, which borders Tibet. The airport has a single runway and domestic airlines such as Tara Air, Summit Air, and Sita Air are in service here, providing flights to major cities such as Kathmandu and Nepalgunj.
Simikot Airport is situated approximately 35 km northwest of the district headquarters, Simikot, and offers a convenient way for travelers to access the region.
Due to its location in remote and difficult terrain, the airport operates under challenging conditions, with limited facilities for passengers. However, it plays a vital role in providing access to the people of the Humla district and facilitating trade and commerce with Tibet.
List of airports in Nepal that are either Non-functional or in loss:
Although Nepal has a total of 53 airports, only 10 of them are profitable and functional. Unfortunately, many others are either facing losses or simply not operating.
For instance, Mahendranagar, a city located between numerous National Parks, doesn’t have a functional airport, and the existing airport is nothing but a grazing field for cows. As a result, here’s a list of airports in Nepal that are in a loss or non-operational state:
FAQs
What is the main international airport in Nepal?
The main international airport in Nepal is Tribhuvan International Airport, which is located in Kathmandu. It is the only international airport in the country and serves as the main gateway for travelers visiting Nepal.
Which airlines operate flights to Nepalgunj Airport?
Domestic airlines like Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, and Nepal Airlines operate regular flights to Nepalgunj Airport from major cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Is there a direct flight from Dhangadhi Airport to Pokhara?
No, there are currently no direct flights from Dhangadhi Airport to Pokhara. Passengers would need to take a connecting flight from Kathmandu or Nepalgunj to reach Pokhara.
What is the altitude of Simikot Airport?
Simikot Airport is located at an altitude of approximately 2,810 meters above sea level. This makes it one of the highest airports in Nepal.
How far is Chandragadhi Airport from Bhadrapur city center?
Chandragadhi Airport is approximately 14 km from the city center of Bhadrapur, which is a major town in the Jhapa district of Nepal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Nepal has several airports that serve both domestic and international travelers. Kathmandu Airport is the busiest and the only international airport in Nepal.
However, the country has several other important airports, including Tenzing-Hillary Airport, Biratnagar Airport, Bhairahawa Airport, Pokhara Airport, Bharatpur Airport, Janakpur Airport, Jomsom Airport, Dhangadhi Airport, Mahendranagar Airport, Jumla Airport, Gautam Buddha International Airport, and Pokhara International Airport.
Airports in Nepal are critical in promoting tourism and trade, acting as key gateways to various regions of the country. They are integral to Nepal’s infrastructure, connecting travelers and businesses to communities across the nation.
With many important airports, such as Kathmandu Airport, Tenzing-Hillary Airport, and Gautam Buddha International Airport, Nepal’s transportation network is well-equipped to facilitate the movement of people and goods throughout the country. As a result, these airports are essential to promoting economic growth and cultural exchange in Nepal.
Overall, airports in Nepal are crucial in connecting the country’s different regions and promoting economic growth through tourism and trade. Some of these airports may present challenges due to their remote locations and short runways. They also provide opportunities for adventure and exploration.
With ongoing efforts to modernize and expand airports such as Pokhara International Airport and Gautam Buddha International Airport, Nepal’s aviation industry is going to grow and develop in the coming years. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, visitors to Nepal can expect a unique and memorable experience when passing through its airports.