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Nestled in the Himalayas, the country Nepal is full of astonishing landscapes while also being rich in cultural heritage. The importance of airports in Nepal is quite high as it connects the country’s remote regions with the rest of the world and international visitors who come to Nepal. Each airport is a gateway to interesting nature and culture, from busy Tribhuvan International Airport to small regional ones. The following are 10 major airports, describing their location, facilities, airlines operating flights to those places, and how to reach them.
10 Airports In Nepal
Here is a list of the top ten major airports in Nepal, which serve as connection bridges between remote areas.
1. Tribhuvan International Airport
Photo: Tanweer Morshed / Wikimedia Commons
The major and one of the famous airports in Nepal is Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. It serves as the main entrance for international visitors. It used to be the only international airport in the country, but recently, Gautam Buddha Airport has been upgraded to an international airport. Thus, it deals with millions of passengers per year, making it the busiest airport of the nation. Airport facilities are modern and well-equipped, ensuring that domestic and international journeys are comfortable and hassle-free- befitting its status as a major regional hub.
Facilities: VIP lounges, duty-free shops, restaurants, medical services, free Wi-Fi, baggage services
How To Reach: Located just 6 km from the city centre, it is accessible via taxis, buses, and hotel shuttles
2. Pokhara Regional International Airport
Photo: Sergey Ashmarin / Wikimedia Commons
Recently upgraded to accommodate international flights, Pokhara Regional International Airport is a vital hub for domestic and international air traffic. It offers an awesome view of the Annapurna range from above during an aerial flight, hence, it is quite popular among adventure tourists and trekkers to the Himalayas. This airport has been one of the emerging ones, thus playing a crucial role in promoting tourism development endeavours. Modern facilities and easy access to the city centre provide all guests with excellent comfort.
Facilities: Cafes, baggage services, souvenir shops, information desks, lounges
How To Reach: Just 3 km from the city centre, it is accessible by taxis and local transportation
3. Gautam Buddha International Airport
Photo: Santoshgurung1982 / Wikimedia Commons
Quite recently, there was an upgrade of Gautam Buddha International Airport to international standards, situated in Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Therefore, this is the main entrance for Buddhist pilgrims and international tourists. One of the best international airports in Nepal, it connects the historically and culturally important region of Lumbini with the rest of the world. Equipped with all modern facilities and advanced connectivity, it serves as a feeder point for travellers, being most conveniently approached to explore the vast heritage of this region.
Facilities: Duty-free shops, lounges, restaurants, medical services
How To Reach: Situated about 1 km from the city centre, it’s accessible via taxis and buses
4. Bhadrapur Airport
Photo: Niels and Marco / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Also known as Chandragadhi Airport, Bhadrapur Airport is a key domestic airport serving the eastern region of Nepal. It is particularly important for travellers heading to the lush tea gardens of Ilam or to Darjeeling in India. Despite its regional focus, the airport is recognised for its efficient services and reliability, making it one of the best domestic airports in Nepal for regional connectivity. With basic yet essential facilities, Bhadrapur Airport plays a crucial role in connecting this part of Nepal to major cities, thereby supporting both tourism and local travel.
Facilities: Basic amenities include a café, baggage services, and information desks
How To Reach: Located 3 km from the town centre, easily accessible by taxis and local buses
5. Bharatpur Airport
Photo: Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka / Wikimedia Commons
Bharatpur Airport is a small but vital gateway to Chitwan National Park, one of Nepal’s premier wildlife destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Although modest in size, the airport is crucial for tourism in the region, offering regular flights to and from Kathmandu. Its convenient location near the city centre makes it easily accessible, making it a famous airport in Nepal, particularly among wildlife enthusiasts and eco-tourists. The airport’s role in facilitating access to Chitwan makes it an important link in the country’s tourism network.
Facilities: Small café, waiting lounge, baggage services
How To Reach: Located 1 km from the city centre, accessible by taxis and auto-rickshaws
6. Janakpur Airport
Photo: Dennis Roubos / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Janakpur Airport serves the city of Janakpur, a significant pilgrimage destination for Hindus, and is known for its proximity to the Janaki Mandir. The airport is essential not only for tourism but also for local travel, providing vital connections to Kathmandu and other parts of Nepal. As one of the famous airports, it supports the influx of pilgrims and tourists year-round, especially during religious festivals. The airport offers a convenient gateway to this culturally rich region with basic amenities, which is crucial in enhancing accessibility and supporting regional tourism.
Facilities: Basic facilities like a waiting area, baggage services, a snack bar
How To Reach: About 2 km from the city centre, easily accessible by cycle rickshaws and taxis
7. Nepalgunj Airport
Photo: Praneet Acharya / Wikimedia Commons
Nepalgunj Airport is a key aviation hub in western Nepal, serving as the primary gateway for flights to remote and mountainous regions such as Dolpa, Jumla, and Humla. Due to its strategic location, it is one of the busiest airports in Nepal, particularly in terms of regional flights. The airport is essential for travellers heading to the far western regions of Nepal, whether for trekking, business, or local travel. Its significance is further highlighted by its role in connecting some of the most isolated parts of the country with the rest of Nepal.
Facilities: Cafeteria, baggage handling services, and basic medical services
How To Reach: Situated 6 km from the city centre, accessible by taxis and buses
8. Simara Airport
Photo: Jeffry Surianto / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Simara Airport is a domestic airport in southern Nepal, playing a crucial role in connecting the industrial hub of Birgunj with Kathmandu and other cities. This airport is vital for facilitating the movement of goods and passengers between the Terai region and the rest of Nepal, making it one of the best airports for domestic travel. Equipped with basic amenities, it ensures a comfortable experience for travellers. Its proximity to the industrial belt enhances its importance, supporting both economic activities and regional connectivity.
Facilities: Basic amenities such as a café, baggage services, and a waiting lounge
How To Reach: Located 2 km from Simara town, accessible by local taxis and buses
9. Lukla Airport
Photo: Smallufo / Wikimedia Commons
Lukla Airport is also known as Tenzing-Hillary Airport, is one of Nepal’s most famous and challenging airports. It is particularly popular among trekkers heading to Everest Base Camp, making it a crucial hub for adventure tourism. Despite its small size, the airport’s strategic location near Mount Everest and its notoriously short runway makes it one of the busiest airports, especially during the trekking season. The airport’s high-altitude setting and dramatic landscape add to its allure, drawing adventurers worldwide.
Facilities: Basic facilities include a small café, baggage services, and a waiting area
How To Reach: The airport is only accessible by flights from Kathmandu or a multi-day trek
10. Jomsom Airport
Photo: Sergey Ashmarin / Wikimedia Commons
Jomsom Airport, located in the Mustang District, is a small yet significant airport that serves as the gateway to the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. It is particularly important for trekkers and pilgrims visiting Muktinath, a revered religious site. The airport’s strategic location makes it one of the most famous airports in the country, especially for those seeking adventure tourism in the rugged and remote regions of the country. With essential facilities to accommodate travellers, Jomsom Airport plays a vital role in supporting tourism and providing access to some of Nepal’s most stunning landscapes.
Facilities: Basic amenities include a small café, waiting area, and baggage services
How To Reach: Accessible by flights from Pokhara or a trek from other parts of the Mustang region
The airports in Nepal offer a vital gateway to the country’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. From the bustling busiest airport to smaller, regional hubs, each airport provides unique access to Nepal’s diverse regions. So, whether you’re travelling for adventure, spirituality, or leisure, these airports are key to exploring Nepal’s beauty. Book your journey with TripXL today to experience the best of Nepal seamlessly through its well-connected airports.
Cover Photo: দেবর্ষি রায় / Wikimedia Commons
