Last updated: September 2026

Nepal's international aviation network connects the country with major cities across South Asia, the Middle East, East Asia, Southeast Asia and beyond. Most international flights operate through Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu, Nepal's principal international aviation gateway.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) International Summer Schedule 2026, 31 airlines are included in Nepal's current international schedule. The list includes Nepal's own carriers as well as airlines from India, China, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Korea, the Gulf region and Turkey.

International schedules can change because of seasonal operations, aircraft availability, bilateral traffic rights, weather, airport restrictions, geopolitical conditions and airline commercial decisions. Travelers should therefore confirm the operating schedule and flight availability before booking.

Quick Overview: International Airlines in Nepal

Current CAAN-listed international airlines for 2026

This list is based on CAAN's published International Summer Schedule 2026 and its international-airline listing.

Important: Being included in an official seasonal airline list does not necessarily mean an airline operates every route every day throughout the year. Frequencies and destinations can change.

1. Tribhuvan International Airport: Nepal's Main International Gateway

Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu remains the center of Nepal's international aviation network.

The overwhelming majority of scheduled international services to Nepal operate through Kathmandu. The airport connects Nepal with major aviation hubs including:

• Delhi
• Mumbai
• Bengaluru
• Doha
• Dubai
• Abu Dhabi
• Sharjah
• Kuwait
• Kuala Lumpur
• Bangkok
• Singapore
• Hong Kong
• Guangzhou
• Chengdu/China
• Seoul
• Istanbul
• Colombo
• Dhaka
• Paro

Kathmandu therefore serves not only passengers traveling directly to Nepal but also travelers using major international hubs for onward connections to Europe, North America, Australia, Japan and other destinations.

2. Nepal's International Airlines

Nepal has its own national and Nepal-based airlines participating in international aviation.

Nepal Airlines Corporation

Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) is Nepal's national flag carrier and operates international services from Kathmandu.

Its published September 2026 international schedule includes destinations such as:

• Delhi
• Mumbai
• Bengaluru
• Doha
• Dubai
• Dammam
• Kuala Lumpur
• Bangkok
• Hong Kong
• Guangzhou
• Narita/Tokyo

The airline's schedule shows different frequencies depending on the destination and season. For example, the September 2026 schedule includes services to Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Doha, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Dammam and Narita.

Because schedules can change, passengers should check the airline's latest timetable before purchasing tickets.

Himalaya Airlines

Himalaya Airlines is a Nepal-based international carrier serving selected international destinations.

Its network has historically focused heavily on the Middle East and Asia, including markets such as:

• Doha
• Abu Dhabi
• Dammam
• Kuala Lumpur
• China

Himalaya Airlines is particularly relevant to passengers traveling between Nepal and Gulf destinations as well as selected Asian markets.

3. Gulf and Middle Eastern Airlines

The Gulf region is one of the most important international aviation markets for Nepal.

Thousands of Nepali passengers travel to countries including Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia for employment, business, education, tourism and family visits.

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways connects Kathmandu with Doha, providing access to the airline's extensive global network.

Doha is an important connecting hub for passengers traveling onward to:

• Europe
• North America
• Africa
• Middle East
• Australia
• South America

Emirates

Emirates provides Kathmandu–Dubai connectivity.

Dubai is one of the world's major international aviation hubs and is particularly useful for passengers traveling onward to Europe, North America, Africa and the Middle East.

flydubai

flydubai operates Kathmandu–Dubai services and provides another connection between Nepal and the UAE.

Passengers can also use Dubai as a connecting point for onward international travel.

Air Arabia

Air Arabia provides connectivity between Nepal and the UAE through its network centered around Sharjah and related UAE operations.

It is particularly relevant for travelers seeking connections through the UAE to destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia and beyond.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi provides another low-cost UAE connection for travelers from Nepal.

Its network operates through Abu Dhabi, providing onward connections to various destinations.

Jazeera Airways

Jazeera Airways connects Nepal with Kuwait.

Kuwait is an important destination for Nepali migrant workers, business travelers and visiting-family passengers.

Jazeera Airways is also notable in discussions about Nepal's secondary international-airport connectivity.

Kuwait Airways

Kuwait Airways also operates international services involving Nepal.

Kuwait provides onward connections throughout the Gulf and other international markets.

4. Indian Airlines Flying to Nepal

India is one of Nepal's most important neighboring aviation markets.

CAAN's 2026 international schedule includes several Indian carriers.

Air India

Air India connects Kathmandu with major Indian cities and provides onward connections through India's major aviation hubs.

Important markets include:

• Delhi
• Mumbai
• Bengaluru

Delhi is particularly important because of its geographical proximity and extensive international connections.

Air India Express

Air India Express is also included in CAAN's 2026 international airline schedule.

Its network complements the wider Air India Group presence in the Nepal–India market.

IndiGo

IndiGo is one of India's major airlines and is an important carrier between Nepal and India.

The airline's extensive Indian domestic network makes Indian hubs useful for passengers traveling beyond Nepal to other Indian cities.

SpiceJet

SpiceJet is also included in CAAN's 2026 international schedule.

The airline has historically provided connectivity between Nepal and India, although specific routes and operating frequencies can vary.

5. Bangladesh

Biman Bangladesh Airlines

Biman Bangladesh Airlines connects Nepal with Bangladesh.

Dhaka is an important regional aviation hub for passengers traveling between Nepal, Bangladesh and onward Asian destinations.

The Nepal–Bangladesh market is also significant for:

• Tourism
• Education
• Business
• Medical travel
• Government and diplomatic travel
• Regional connections

6. Bhutan Airlines and Drukair

Nepal and Bhutan maintain important tourism and regional links.

Two Bhutanese airlines appear in CAAN's international schedule:

Bhutan Airlines

Bhutan Airlines, also known as Tashi Air, provides international regional connectivity involving Kathmandu.

Drukair

Drukair – Royal Bhutan Airlines is Bhutan's national airline and connects Kathmandu with Bhutan.

These services are particularly useful for travelers combining Nepal and Bhutan in a single Himalayan holiday.

7. Chinese Airlines Operating to Nepal

China is another important aviation market for Nepal.

CAAN's 2026 international schedule includes several Chinese carriers.

Air China

Air China is China's national flag carrier and provides international connectivity involving Kathmandu.

China Southern Airlines

China Southern is one of China's largest airlines.

Its Kathmandu services provide access to China's extensive domestic and international aviation network.

China Eastern Airlines

China Eastern Airlines is another major Chinese carrier serving Nepal.

Shanghai and other Chinese hubs can provide onward connections to cities throughout China and other parts of Asia.

Sichuan Airlines

Sichuan Airlines is also included in Nepal's 2026 international schedule.

The airline is particularly relevant for connectivity between Nepal and southwestern China.

8. Hong Kong

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific connects Kathmandu with Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is an important international aviation hub with connections to:

• Mainland China
• Japan
• South Korea
• Southeast Asia
• Australia
• Europe
• North America

For Nepal travelers, Hong Kong can therefore serve as an important transit point for long-haul journeys.

Cathay Pacific's current Nepal-facing booking platform also displays Kathmandu-origin international itineraries for October 2026 and beyond.

9. Southeast Asian Airlines

Southeast Asia is an increasingly important tourism and business region for Nepal.

Malaysia Airlines

Malaysia Airlines connects Nepal with Kuala Lumpur, one of Southeast Asia's major aviation hubs.

Kuala Lumpur provides onward connectivity to:

• Malaysia
• Indonesia
• Thailand
• Singapore
• Australia
• East Asia

Batik Air

Batik Air, formerly associated with the Malindo Air brand, is also listed in CAAN's 2026 international schedule.

The airline provides connectivity between Nepal and the wider Southeast Asian market.

Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines connects Nepal with Singapore, one of the world's most important aviation hubs.

Singapore is especially useful for onward travel to:

• Australia
• Southeast Asia
• Japan
• South Korea
• China
• Europe

10. Thailand

Nepal's international schedule includes three Thailand-related carriers:

Thai Airways

Thai Airways provides connectivity between Kathmandu and Thailand.

Thai Lion Air

Thai Lion Air is also included in Nepal's international schedule.

Thai AirAsia

Thai AirAsia is listed by CAAN for Kathmandu operations.

Bangkok is an important tourism and transit market for travelers from Nepal.

11. South Korea

Korean Air

Korean Air provides connectivity between Nepal and South Korea.

The Nepal–South Korea aviation market serves:

• Tourism
• Business
• Education
• Employment
• Family travel

Seoul also provides onward connections across East Asia and North America.

12. Sri Lanka

SriLankan Airlines

SriLankan Airlines connects Nepal with Colombo.

Colombo is an important regional hub and also serves travelers visiting Sri Lanka for tourism, business and pilgrimage.

13. Türkiye and Europe

Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines provides Kathmandu–Istanbul connectivity.

Istanbul is particularly important because of its geographic position between Asia and Europe.

Passengers can use Istanbul as a connecting hub for destinations across:

• Europe
• North America
• Africa
• Middle East
• Central Asia

14. How International Aviation in Nepal Is Structured

Nepal's international aviation network can broadly be divided into several major markets.

This regional structure reflects the importance of labor migration, tourism, trade, education, pilgrimage and connecting traffic in Nepal's international aviation market.

15. Kathmandu Remains the Main International Gateway

Although Nepal has invested in additional international airports, Kathmandu remains the dominant center of scheduled international aviation.

For most international travelers arriving in Nepal, Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) remains the primary entry point.

This is especially important for travelers planning:

• Everest Base Camp treks
• Annapurna trekking
• Manaslu trekking
• Langtang trekking
• Helicopter tours
• Kathmandu sightseeing
• Pokhara holidays
• Chitwan tours
• Bhutan combination tours
• Tibet tours
• Kailash Mansarovar journeys

16. Gautam Buddha International Airport and Bhairahawa

Gautam Buddha International Airport (BWA) in Bhairahawa was developed to provide an additional international gateway to Nepal and to serve the Lumbini region.

Its strategic importance comes from its proximity to:

• Lumbini
• Butwal
• Rupandehi
• Western Nepal
• The Indian border

However, international scheduled traffic at BWA remains much smaller than at Kathmandu.

Travelers should distinguish between an airport having international infrastructure and having a large, stable network of scheduled international flights.

The official CAAN international schedule should be checked for the latest operating airlines and frequencies before publishing route-specific claims.

17. What About Pokhara International Airport?

Pokhara International Airport (PKR) opened in 2023 with the objective of improving international connectivity to Nepal's major tourism city.

However, the airport has not developed the same level of regular scheduled international service as Kathmandu.

For travelers planning international trips to Pokhara, this means that Kathmandu often remains the principal international entry point, followed by a domestic connection to Pokhara.

This is an important consideration when planning international flight itineraries.

18. International vs Domestic Airlines in Nepal

It is important not to confuse Nepal's domestic airline market with its international airline market.

CAAN's 2026 domestic schedule includes carriers such as:

• Buddha Air
• Nepal Airlines
• Shree Airlines
• Sita Air
• Summit Air
• Yeti Airlines

These airlines primarily serve Nepal's domestic network.

The international schedule is a separate category and includes airlines operating international passenger services to and from Nepal.

19. Why International Flight Schedules Change Frequently

Airline schedules should not be treated as permanent.

International flights can change because of:

Seasonal demand

Airlines frequently increase or reduce flights during peak tourism seasons.

Aircraft availability

Aircraft maintenance, fleet changes and operational requirements can affect schedules.

Bilateral agreements

International routes depend on traffic rights and agreements between countries.

Airport capacity

Airport slots and operating restrictions can affect departure times and frequencies.

Weather

Nepal's monsoon and mountain weather conditions can affect aviation operations.

Geopolitical conditions

Regional conflicts and airspace restrictions can result in temporary cancellations, rerouting or schedule changes.

For example, Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported in April 2026 that regular flights on some Gulf sectors had been suspended during a period of security-related disruption in West Asia, followed by special Nepal Airlines flights to Dubai and Dammam.

20. Are There 26 or 31 International Airlines in Nepal?

This is an important distinction for websites publishing Nepal aviation information.

Some travel websites and older articles may report approximately 26 international airlines.

However, the current CAAN International Summer Schedule 2026 lists 31 airlines.

Therefore, a current article should avoid permanently stating:

"Nepal has exactly 26 international airlines."

A better formulation is:

"CAAN's International Summer Schedule 2026 lists 31 airlines operating international services to and from Nepal, although actual routes and frequencies vary by season and operating date."

This wording is more accurate and easier to maintain.

21. Important Correction: Saurya Airlines

Saurya Airlines should not currently be presented as one of Nepal's scheduled international airlines based on CAAN's current 2026 international schedule.

CAAN's domestic schedule identifies Nepal's domestic operators separately, while Saurya Airlines is not included in the current international schedule shown by CAAN.

For an aviation website, it is therefore better to avoid describing Saurya as a regular international carrier unless a new official international operation is announced.

22. Important Correction: Wizz Air

Wizz Air should also be treated carefully.

Although Wizz Air has been associated with plans and discussions involving Nepal's secondary international airports, it does not appear in CAAN's current International Summer Schedule 2026 list of 31 airlines.

Therefore, a current September 2026 article should not state that Wizz Air is presently a scheduled international operator at Gautam Buddha International Airport unless a new CAAN-approved schedule confirms that operation.

23. International Flight Connections from Nepal

Travelers from Nepal can generally use several major hubs for onward international travel.

Via Doha

Useful for:

Europe • North America • Africa • Middle East

Via Dubai

Useful for:

Europe • Africa • Middle East • North America

Via Istanbul

Useful for:

Europe • North America • Africa • Central Asia

Via Delhi

Useful for:

India • Europe • North America • Asia

Via Kuala Lumpur

Useful for:

Southeast Asia • Australia • East Asia

Via Singapore

Useful for:

Australia • Southeast Asia • East Asia • Europe

Via Hong Kong

Useful for:

China • Japan • Korea • Southeast Asia • North America

Via Bangkok

Useful for:

Thailand • Southeast Asia • East Asia • Australia

24. Best International Airport for Travelers Visiting Nepal

For most international visitors, Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport remains the most practical international gateway because it has the largest concentration of scheduled international services.

Travelers heading to other parts of Nepal can then connect domestically to destinations such as:

• Pokhara
• Bharatpur/Chitwan
• Bhairahawa/Lumbini
• Nepalgunj
• Biratnagar
• Bhadrapur
• Dhangadhi
• Lukla
• Jomsom
• other domestic destinations

The best airport therefore depends on both the international airline schedule and the traveler's final destination.

25. Tips for Booking International Flights from Nepal

When searching for an international flight from Nepal, travelers should consider more than the ticket price.

Check the actual operating date

A route shown online may operate only on selected days.

Check baggage allowance

Baggage policies differ significantly between airlines and fare classes.

Check transit requirements

A connection through another country may involve visa or transit-visa requirements.

Allow enough connection time

International-to-international and international-to-domestic connections may require additional time for immigration, baggage collection and security procedures.

Check airport changes

Some itineraries may involve different airports within the same metropolitan area.

Confirm the latest schedule

Flight schedules can change after booking.

26. Nepal's International Aviation Network: Key Takeaways

Nepal's international aviation market in 2026 is centered around Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

According to CAAN's current International Summer Schedule 2026:

• 31 airlines are listed in the international schedule.
• Nepal has international carriers including Nepal Airlines and Himalaya Airlines.
• India remains one of Nepal's key international aviation markets.
• The Gulf region provides major connectivity through Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Kuwait.
• China has several airlines serving the Nepal market.
• Southeast Asia is connected through Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
• Hong Kong and Seoul provide important East Asian connections.
• Turkish Airlines provides a major Istanbul gateway.
• Gautam Buddha International Airport has international infrastructure but a much smaller scheduled international network than Kathmandu.
• Pokhara International Airport has yet to develop a comparable regular scheduled international network.
• Airline routes and frequencies can change throughout the year.

For accurate flight planning, travelers should always check the latest airline schedule, airport information and CAAN-approved operating schedule rather than relying solely on a static list.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many international airlines operate in Nepal in 2026?

CAAN's International Summer Schedule 2026 lists 31 airlines. The actual number of airlines operating on a particular date can vary because some services are seasonal or subject to schedule changes.

Which is Nepal's main international airport?

Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu is Nepal's principal international aviation gateway.

Which airlines fly from Nepal to Qatar?

Qatar Airways operates Kathmandu–Doha services. Nepal Airlines also lists Doha in its international schedule.

Which airlines fly from Nepal to Dubai?

Emirates, flydubai and Nepal Airlines are among the carriers associated with Kathmandu–Dubai connectivity, with schedules varying by operating period.

Which airlines fly from Nepal to India?

The CAAN international schedule includes Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo and SpiceJet, while Nepal Airlines also operates services to Indian destinations including Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.

Which airlines fly from Nepal to China?

CAAN's 2026 schedule includes Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines and Sichuan Airlines.

Does Nepal have direct flights to Singapore?

Singapore Airlines is included in CAAN's 2026 international airline schedule.

Does Nepal have direct flights to South Korea?

Korean Air is included in CAAN's 2026 international schedule.

Does Nepal have direct flights to Turkey?

Turkish Airlines is included in CAAN's international airline schedule, providing Kathmandu–Istanbul connectivity.

Does Wizz Air currently operate scheduled international flights from Nepal?

Wizz Air is not listed in CAAN's current International Summer Schedule 2026, so it should not be presented as a current scheduled Nepal international operator without confirmation from a newer official schedule.

Is Saurya Airlines an international airline in Nepal?

Saurya Airlines is not included in CAAN's current 2026 international schedule and should not currently be described as a scheduled international carrier based on that official list.

Final Note for Travelers

Nepal's international airline network continues to evolve. Airline schedules, routes, frequencies and aircraft assignments can change without much notice.

For a live international flight search, travelers should check the latest airline schedules and current availability before making a booking.

For websites publishing Nepal aviation information, the most reliable approach is to maintain the article as a living aviation guide, updating the airline list whenever CAAN publishes a new seasonal international schedule.

Source: Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), International Summer Schedule 2026; airline schedules and official airline information.

This version is deliberately written as an evergreen aviation guide rather than simply a list of airlines, which should work better for SEO and AI-search visibility. I would also recommend using “31 airlines listed by CAAN” rather than “26 airlines” on the live page, because that is the stronger current official reference.