List of Airports in Nepal
As of 2024, there are 44 airports throughout the country of Nepal according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Nepal are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Nepal
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baglung Airport | BGL | Baglung | Small |
| 2 | Baitadi Airport | BIT | Baitadi | Small |
| 3 | Bajhang Airport | BJH | Bajhang | Small |
| 4 | Bajura Airport | BJU | Bajura | Small |
| 5 | Bhadrapur Airport | BDP | Bhadrapur | Small |
| 6 | Bhairawa Airport | BWA | Bhairawa | Small |
| 7 | Bharatpur Airport | BHR | Bharatpur | Small |
| 8 | Bhojpur Airport | BHP | Bhojpur | Small |
| 9 | Biratnagar Airport | BIR | Biratnagar | Small |
| 10 | Chaurjhari Airport | HRJ | Chaurjhari | Small |
| 11 | Dang Airport | DNP | Dang | Small |
| 12 | Darchula Airport | DAP | Darchula | Small |
| 13 | Dhangarhi Airport | DHI | Dhangarhi | Small |
| 14 | Dolpa Airport | DOP | Dolpa | Small |
| 15 | Gorkha Airport | GKH | Gorkha | Small |
| 16 | Janakpur Airport | JKR | Janakpur | Small |
| 17 | Jiri Airport | JIR | Jiri | Small |
| 18 | Jomsom Airport | JMO | Jomsom | Small |
| 19 | Jumla Airport | JUM | Jumla | Small |
| 20 | Lamidanda Airport | LDN | Lamidanda | Small |
| 21 | Langtang Airport | LTG | Langtang | Small |
| 22 | Lukla Airport | LUA | Lukla | Small |
| 23 | Mahendranagar Airport | XMG | Mahendranagar | Small |
| 24 | Manang Airport | NGX | Manang | Small |
| 25 | Meghauli Airport | MEY | Meghauli | Small |
| 26 | Mountain Airport | MWP | Mountain | Small |
| 27 | Nepalganj Airport | KEP | Nepalganj | Small |
| 28 | Phaplu Airport | PPL | Phaplu | Small |
| 29 | Pokhara Airport | PKR | Pokhara | Small |
| 30 | Rajbiraj Airport | RJB | Rajbiraj | Small |
| 31 | Ramechhap Airport | RHP | Ramechhap | Small |
| 32 | Rolpa Airport | RPA | Rolpa | Small |
| 33 | Rukumkot Airport | RUK | Rukumkot | Small |
| 34 | Rumjatar Airport | RUM | Rumjatar | Small |
| 35 | Sanfebagar Airport | FEB | Sanfebagar | Small |
| 36 | Silgadi Doti Airport | SIH | Silgadi Doti | Small |
| 37 | Simara Airport | SIF | Simara | Small |
| 38 | Simikot Airport | IMK | Simikot | Small |
| 39 | Surkhet Airport | SKH | Surkhet | Small |
| 40 | Syangboche Airport | SYH | Syangboche | Small |
| 41 | Taplejung Airport | TPJ | Taplejung | Small |
| 42 | Tikapur Airport | TPU | Tikapur | Small |
| 43 | Tribhuvan Airport | KTM | Kathmandu | Large |
| 44 | Tumling Tar Airport | TMI | Tumling Tar | Small |
Major Airports in Nepal
1. Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)
Airport Code:
KTM
Time Zone:
Nepal Standard Time (NPT) – UTC +5:45
Address:
Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal
Nearby Cities:
- Kathmandu (0 miles)
- Bhaktapur (8 miles)
- Lalitpur (5 miles)
- Pokhara (125 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Nepal Airlines
- Qatar Airways
- Emirates
- Turkish Airlines
- Air India
- Thai Airways
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Tribhuvan International Airport handles approximately 1.5 million passengers annually (pre-pandemic figures).
Airport Location and History
Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) is Nepal’s primary international gateway, located in the capital city of Kathmandu, approximately 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the city center. Opened in 1955, TIA was Nepal’s only international airport for several decades, making it the focal point of the country’s aviation network. The airport was named in honor of King Tribhuvan, who played a pivotal role in Nepal’s modern political history.
Over the years, TIA has undergone several phases of expansion to accommodate increasing passenger traffic, particularly from international destinations such as India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. However, the airport remains a single-terminal facility that struggles to meet the growing demand, with congestion often occurring during peak hours.
The airport is not only a hub for commercial flights but also for the thousands of trekkers and mountaineers arriving to explore Nepal’s Himalayas. Due to Nepal’s unique geography, the airport also plays a crucial role in supporting domestic flights to remote regions, often serving as the starting point for many trekking expeditions.
In recent years, there have been efforts to modernize the airport, including upgrading the passenger terminal and expanding the runway. With Nepal’s tourism industry seeing a steady increase in international visitors, TIA is a key part of the nation’s economic infrastructure and a critical connector between Nepal and the rest of the world.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Tribhuvan International Airport has one runway (02/20), which is 3,050 meters (10,010 feet) in length. The runway can accommodate a wide range of aircraft, including wide-body jets like the Boeing 777 and Airbus A330, making it capable of handling long-haul international flights. However, due to the airport’s location in a valley surrounded by mountains, there are some limitations in terms of approach and departure routes.
The terminal is divided into two sections: the domestic and international terminals, with a significant difference in capacity and facilities. The international terminal is relatively small but is undergoing expansions to improve passenger experience, offering duty-free shopping, cafes, currency exchange services, and lounges. While the domestic terminal is more basic, it facilitates the large number of regional flights that connect remote parts of Nepal.
The airport also serves as a hub for helicopter services, a vital mode of transportation given Nepal’s mountainous terrain. The infrastructure includes a parking area, a number of hotels nearby, and ground transportation services like taxis, buses, and private vehicle rentals.
2. Gautam Buddha International Airport (LUA)
Airport Code:
LUA
Time Zone:
Nepal Standard Time (NPT) – UTC +5:45
Address:
Gautam Buddha International Airport, Lumbini, Nepal
Nearby Cities:
- Lumbini (0 miles)
- Butwal (15 miles)
- Siddharthanagar (6 miles)
- Tansen (30 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Buddha Air
- Yeti Airlines
- Air India
- Qatar Airways
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Gautam Buddha International Airport handles approximately 500,000 to 600,000 passengers annually.
Airport Location and History
Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA) is located in the Lumbini region of Nepal, which is considered the birthplace of Lord Buddha and a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide. The airport is situated about 22 kilometers (14 miles) from the Indian border, making it an essential entry point for international tourists visiting the Lumbini area, as well as for local domestic flights.
Opened in 2019, Gautam Buddha International Airport is one of the newest international airports in Nepal, designed to cater to both domestic and international flights. The airport’s construction was seen as a major step forward in promoting tourism, especially Buddhist tourism, in the region. It was developed with the assistance of both the Nepalese government and international stakeholders, with plans to further expand its infrastructure in the future.
Given its location, GBIA is expected to support not only the religious tourism industry but also regional commerce and transportation. It is positioned as a key point of connectivity between Nepal and northern India, offering increased access for international travelers who wish to explore Lumbini and surrounding areas.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Gautam Buddha International Airport has one runway (06/24), which is 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) in length. The runway is capable of handling medium to large aircraft, including narrow-body jets like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, but it may require expansion in the future as passenger traffic increases.
The terminal building offers essential services, including check-in counters, baggage handling, duty-free shopping, food courts, and currency exchange. The airport is equipped with modern facilities, including free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a VIP lounge. There are transportation options available for passengers, including taxis, buses, and car rentals. Plans for expansion include increasing capacity and improving passenger amenities as the airport continues to develop.
Despite its relatively new status, the airport has been designed with future growth in mind. The arrival of international flights and the continued growth of tourism in the Lumbini region are expected to contribute to an increase in traffic, prompting further upgrades to its facilities.
3. Pokhara International Airport (PKR)
Airport Code:
PKR
Time Zone:
Nepal Standard Time (NPT) – UTC +5:45
Address:
Pokhara International Airport, Pokhara, Nepal
Nearby Cities:
- Pokhara (0 miles)
- Lakeside (2 miles)
- Pardeep (5 miles)
- Kathmandu (125 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Yeti Airlines
- Buddha Air
- Tara Air
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Pokhara International Airport is expected to handle around 500,000 passengers annually upon full operation.
Airport Location and History
Pokhara International Airport is located in Pokhara, Nepal’s second most popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful lakes, stunning mountain views, and trekking routes. Pokhara is also the gateway for travelers heading to the Annapurna region, making the airport a vital access point for trekkers and adventure tourists.
The airport was under construction for several years and is expected to officially open for international flights in 2024. Until now, Pokhara had only a domestic airport serving limited flights within Nepal. The new international terminal and expanded facilities aim to significantly boost the region’s tourism industry and offer direct connections to international destinations.
Pokhara’s location and infrastructure have long made it a key destination for adventure tourism, with trekkers, mountaineers, and nature lovers visiting to explore the Annapurna Circuit, Poon Hill, and nearby lakes. The new airport will increase accessibility, reduce travel times, and enhance the overall visitor experience.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Pokhara International Airport is designed with one runway (12/30), which will be 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) long upon completion. The runway will be capable of handling narrow-body jets like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, making it suitable for international flights. While it may not handle wide-body aircraft, its length will enable the airport to cater to regional and international tourism traffic, especially to destinations in Asia.
The airport will feature modern facilities, including check-in counters, baggage claim, food courts, shopping, and other passenger services. In addition to basic airport amenities, the facility will offer services such as currency exchange, duty-free shops, VIP lounges, and car rentals. Ground transportation will be easily accessible from the airport, with taxis and buses providing service to nearby hotels and tourist attractions.
The airport’s infrastructure is part of Nepal’s efforts to enhance tourism, economic development, and regional connectivity, with plans for further expansions and improvements as tourism continues to rise.
4. Biratnagar Airport (BIR)
Airport Code:
BIR
Time Zone:
Nepal Standard Time (NPT) – UTC +5:45
Address:
Biratnagar Airport, Biratnagar, Province No. 1, Nepal
Nearby Cities:
- Biratnagar (0 miles)
- Dharan (10 miles)
- Kathmandu (124 miles)
- Itahari (5 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Buddha Air
- Yeti Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Biratnagar Airport handles approximately 100,000 passengers annually.
Airport Location and History
Biratnagar Airport is located in Biratnagar, the second-largest city in Nepal and a key industrial hub in the eastern region of the country. The airport is approximately 3 kilometers (2 miles) from the city center, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors. The airport has historically served as a regional hub, facilitating domestic flights to and from Kathmandu and other nearby locations.
Biratnagar Airport was established in the 1950s and has served as a key point for connecting Nepal’s eastern region with the rest of the country. It has also played a significant role in the movement of goods and people, particularly with the nearby Indian border, which boosts regional trade and commerce. The airport primarily serves domestic flights and plays an important role in facilitating the economic and commercial activities of the eastern region.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Biratnagar Airport has one runway (06/24), which is 1,524 meters (5,000 feet) in length. The runway is capable of accommodating smaller aircraft, such as turboprops and regional jets, but it is not large enough to handle wide-body aircraft. The airport primarily serves domestic flights to Kathmandu, but its infrastructure is under review for potential expansion to accommodate increasing passenger traffic.
The airport features basic facilities, including a small terminal with check-in counters, baggage claim, and seating areas. There are limited food and beverage options, but ground transportation services like taxis and buses are available to connect passengers with local hotels and attractions.
