Air Connectivity in Nepal

Nepal’s air connectivity has evolved steadily over the decades, becoming a critical component of the country’s transportation and economic infrastructure. Given Nepal’s rugged Himalayan terrain and limited road and rail networks, aviation plays an indispensable role in linking major cities, remote regions, and international destinations.

At present, Nepal has a network of 55 airports, including three international airports and 52 domestic airfields, of which approximately 35 are operational. The international gateways—Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu, Gautam Buddha International Airport (BWA) in Bhairahawa, and Pokhara International Airport (PKR)—serve as the primary points of entry for global travel. Meanwhile, domestic airports connect key urban centers such as Biratnagar, Nepalgunj, Bhadrapur, Dhangadhi, and Bhairahawa with remote destinations including Lukla, Jomsom, Jumla, Dolpa, Simikot, Taplejung, and Bajura. These links are essential for tourism, trade, healthcare access, and national integration.

Nepal Airlines, established in 1958 as the national flag carrier, has historically played a central role in connecting Nepal with the global aviation network. During its peak in the 1980s and 1990s, the airline operated long-haul services to major European cities—including London Heathrow, Frankfurt, and Paris Charles de Gaulle—using wide-body aircraft such as the Airbus A310.

However, these routes were gradually discontinued in the early 2000s due to high operating costs, financial constraints, and limited fleet capacity. In parallel, several major international carriers that once served Kathmandu—such as Austrian Airlines, Swissair, Lufthansa, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and Aeroflot—also withdrew operations, largely because of low route profitability, strategic realignments, or airline closures. Despite these setbacks, the presence of these carriers in earlier decades demonstrated Nepal’s potential to function as a viable long-haul destination.

At present, Nepal’s international aviation market is served by 27 foreign airlines from 14 countries, along with three Nepali carriers, bringing the total number of operating airlines to 30. India accounts for the largest share, with Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India Express providing extensive connectivity. China is served by Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Sichuan Airlines, while the United Arab Emirates is connected through Flydubai, Air Arabia, and Air Arabia Abu Dhabi. Thailand, Malaysia, Kuwait, and Bhutan are also linked through multiple carriers, and additional direct services connect Nepal with Qatar, South Korea, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong. Nepali airlines—Nepal Airlines, Himalaya Airlines, and Buddha Air—operate both domestic and international routes, with Buddha Air serving several Indian cities. Collectively, this network connects Nepal to key markets across Asia and the Middle East.

Mr. Som Nath Sapkota

Domestic aviation remains equally vital due to Nepal’s topography and limited surface transport options. Airlines including Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, Shree Airlines, Saurya Airlines, Tara Air, and Summit Air operate scheduled services between major cities such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, Biratnagar, Nepalgunj, Bhairahawa, and Dhangadhi, as well as to remote mountain airfields. These routes are not only crucial for passenger movement but also for the transport of essential goods, medical supplies, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response, particularly in isolated regions.

Nepal’s aviation history dates back to 1949, when a Beechcraft Bonanza aircraft carrying the Indian ambassador landed at Gauchar, the site that later became Kathmandu. The country’s first chartered international flight took place in 1950, when a Dakota aircraft operated by Himalayan Aviation flew from Gauchar to Kolkata. Gauchar Airport was formally inaugurated in 1955 and renamed Tribhuvan International Airport in 1964. Nepal entered the jet age in 1967 with the arrival of a Lufthansa Boeing 707, followed by the introduction of jet operations by the national carrier in the early 1970s. More recently, the commissioning of Gautam Buddha International Airport in 2022 and Pokhara International Airport in 2023 has significantly expanded Nepal’s international aviation capacity and reduced reliance on Kathmandu as the sole international hub.

Despite notable progress, Nepal’s aviation sector continues to face structural and operational challenges. The country’s geography presents inherent risks, including difficult terrain and rapidly changing weather conditions. Infrastructure constraints—particularly runway capacity, apron space, and air traffic management at Tribhuvan International Airport—limit operational efficiency and the accommodation of wide-body aircraft. Safety perceptions remain a concern for some international carriers, affecting insurance costs and route viability. Furthermore, international air traffic remains heavily concentrated in Kathmandu, leaving newer international airports underutilized.

A broader economic challenge is that a significant portion of Nepal’s population—estimated at over one-third—currently lives or works abroad. Weak direct air connectivity—especially through the national flag carrier—has resulted in a heavy dependence on foreign airlines and indirect routes for travel to Europe, Australia, and other long-haul destinations. This dependence leads to a substantial outflow of aviation-related revenue, including ticket sales, transit spending, cargo income, and tourism receipts, thereby limiting the sector’s contribution to the national economy.

Strengthening Nepal’s global air connectivity is therefore both an economic and strategic imperative. A strong national flag carrier operating direct long-haul and regional services would improve travel convenience for the Nepali diaspora, reduce costs, and retain greater economic value within the country. Enhanced connectivity would also support exports, attract foreign investment, increase high-value tourism, and integrate Nepal more effectively into global trade and mobility networks.

Addressing these challenges requires sustained investment in airport infrastructure, including the expansion and modernization of Tribhuvan International Airport and the deployment of advanced navigation, weather forecasting, and safety systems at domestic airports. Strengthening regulatory oversight, pilot training, and operational standards in line with international best practices is essential to rebuilding global confidence. Equally important is the strategic development of Gautam Buddha International Airport and Pokhara International Airport as regional hubs to diversify international traffic and reduce congestion in Kathmandu.

Most importantly, Nepal Airlines must be repositioned as a competitive and financially sustainable national carrier. Expanding its network to Europe, Australia, East Asia, and the Middle East would reconnect Nepal directly with major global markets and diaspora communities. By leveraging its historical experience, new airport infrastructure, and growing demand for direct services, Nepal Airlines can once again serve as a catalyst for national connectivity and economic growth.

From the country’s first chartered flight in 1950 to a modern network of 55 airports served by 30 airlines, Nepal’s air connectivity has made substantial progress. While challenges related to geography, infrastructure, and safety perceptions persist, coherent policy direction, long-term investment, and adherence to international standards can position Nepal as a safe, reliable, and competitive aviation destination. Strengthening domestic and international air links—particularly through a revitalized national flag carrier—will be central to retaining economic value, supporting millions of Nepalis abroad, and securing Nepal’s place in the global aviation system.