Tribhuvan International Airport

Tribhuvan International Airport (IATA: KTM, ICAO: VNKT) is the primary international airport of Nepal, located in Kathmandu. It serves as the main gateway for air travel to and from the country, handling millions of passengers each year. As Nepal’s busiest and oldest airport, it operates international services from a dedicated international terminal and domestic flights from an adjacent domestic terminal.

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History

Tribhuvan International Airport began operations in 1955 under the name Gauchar Airport. It was later renamed after King Tribhuvan, who played a major role in Nepal’s political transformations. Over decades, the airport has seen continuous development—including terminal expansions, runway upgrades, and improved navigational systems—to meet growing passenger demand and enhance flight safety.

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Location

The airport is located in Gaushala, approximately 6 km east of central Kathmandu.
It is easily accessible from popular areas such as Thamel, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath Temple, Lalitpur, and major hotels across the city.

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Terminals

International Terminal

• Handles all international flights.
• Equipped with immigration, customs, duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, currency exchange counters, and information services.
• Serves major international airlines operating flights to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

Domestic Terminal

• Dedicated to domestic flights connecting major cities and mountainous regions of Nepal.
• Airlines include Yeti Airlines, Buddha Air, Shree Airlines, and others.
• Provides check-in counters, waiting areas, cafés, and travel assistance.

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Runway and Infrastructure

• Runway: 02/20
• Length: 3,050 metres (10,007 ft)
• Equipped with Instrument Landing System (ILS).
• Apron capacity for narrow-body and selected wide-body aircraft.
• Fire and rescue services certified for international safety standards.

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Airlines and Destinations

International Airlines

Some of the major international airlines operating from TIA include:

• Nepal Airlines
• Qatar Airways
• FlyDubai
• Turkish Airlines
• Air India
• Indigo
• Malaysia Airlines
• Thai Airways
• China Southern Airlines
• Sichuan Airlines

Major International Destinations

• Delhi
• Mumbai
• Doha
• Dubai
• Kuala Lumpur
• Bangkok
• Istanbul
• Guangzhou
• Bangalore
• Chengdu

Domestic Airlines

• Yeti Airlines
• Buddha Air
• Shree Airlines
• Saurya Airlines

Major Domestic Destinations

• Pokhara
• Lukla
• Biratnagar
• Bharatpur
• Nepalgunj
• Simara
• Bhairahawa
• Janakpur

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Passenger Facilities

Transportation

• Taxis: Available 24/7 with prepaid counters.
• Ride-hailing apps: Pathao and Indrive operate nearby.
• Local buses: Connect the airport with major city areas.
• Car rentals: Several rental agencies available inside the airport.

Banking & Currency Exchange

• ATMs located across the terminals.
• Currency exchange counters in Arrival and Departure areas.
• Banking services available within the airport premises.

Lounges

• Tara Lounge
• Horizon Lounge
  Provide Wi-Fi, food, drinks, business services, and rest zones.

Dining & Shopping

• Restaurants and cafés offering local and international food.
• Duty-free outlets selling perfume, chocolates, beverages, electronics, and Nepali handicrafts.

Additional Services

• Free Wi-Fi (limited).
• Medical clinic.
• Baggage wrapping and porters.
• Lost and found office.
• Tourist information center.

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How to Reach Tribhuvan International Airport

By Car / Taxi

A taxi ride from central Kathmandu takes 15–20 minutes depending on traffic.
Prepaid taxis ensure fixed and safe fares.

By Bus

Public buses stop near the airport gate, connecting key areas such as Baneshwor, Koteshwor, Gaushala, and Ratnapark.

By Motorcycle

Dedicated two-wheeler parking is available for travellers arriving by bike.

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Future Expansion

To reduce passenger congestion, Nepal is developing additional international airports including:

• Gautam Buddha International Airport (Bhairahawa)
• Pokhara International Airport

These aim to decentralize international traffic and support tourism growth.

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Significance

As Nepal’s main aviation hub, Tribhuvan International Airport plays a vital role in tourism, trade, and national connectivity. It is the primary entry point for trekkers, mountaineers, pilgrims, and travellers exploring the Himalayas.

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Conclusion

Tribhuvan International Airport remains the most important gateway to Nepal, offering essential connectivity to domestic and global destinations. With ongoing upgrades and future expansion plans, the airport continues to evolve to meet the needs of millions of international and domestic travellers.