Nepal has an extensive network of domestic airports that connect the capital city with remote Himalayan regions, trekking destinations, and major economic centers. Due to the country’s mountainous geography and challenging road infrastructure in some regions, domestic air travel plays a crucial role in transportation, tourism, and regional development. Nepal currently operates more than 30 domestic airports across all seven provinces, supporting both passenger travel and cargo services.
The primary aviation hub in Nepal is Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) located in Kathmandu. Although it serves as Nepal’s main international gateway, it also handles the majority of domestic flights across the country. From Kathmandu, passengers can easily reach popular tourist destinations such as Pokhara, Lukla, Jomsom, Bharatpur, and Nepalgunj. Domestic airlines including Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, and Shree Airlines operate frequent flights connecting these airports.
Several domestic airports also act as important gateways for trekking and adventure tourism. For example, Lukla Airport is widely known as the main entry point to the Everest region, while Pokhara Airport serves as the gateway to the Annapurna trekking area. Jomsom Airport provides access to the Mustang region and the famous pilgrimage site of Muktinath. Other regional airports such as Biratnagar, Bhadrapur, and Dhangadhi support business travel and regional connectivity.
In the remote Himalayan districts of Karnali Province, airports such as Jumla, Dolpa, and Rara play a vital role in connecting isolated communities with the rest of the country. These airports support essential services including tourism, medical evacuation flights, government operations, and supply transportation. As tourism continues to grow, Nepal’s domestic aviation network remains an essential part of the country’s infrastructure.
Complete List of Major Domestic Airports in Nepal
| Airport Name | City / Location | IATA Code | Province | Main Domestic Destinations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tribhuvan International Airport | Kathmandu | KTM | Bagmati | Pokhara, Lukla, Bharatpur, Biratnagar, Nepalgunj |
| Pohkara Airport | Pokhara | PKR | Gandaki | Kathmandu, Jomsom |
| Biratnagar Airport | Biratnagar | BIR | Koshi | Kathmandu |
| Bhadrapur Airport (Chandragadhi) | Jhapa | BDP | Koshi | Kathmandu |
| Bharatpur Airport | Chitwan | BHR | Bagmati | Kathmandu |
| Simara Airport | Simara | SIF | Madhesh | Kathmandu |
| Janakpur Airport | Janakpur | JKR | Madhesh | Kathmandu |
| Rajbiraj Airport | Rajbiraj | RJB | Madhesh | Kathmandu |
| Nepalgunj Airport | Nepalgunj | KEP | Lumbini | Kathmandu, Jumla, Dolpa |
| Dhangadhi Airport | Dhangadhi | DHI | Sudurpashchim | Kathmandu |
| Surkhet Airport | Surkhet | SKH | Karnali | Kathmandu |
| Jumla Airport | Jumla | JUM | Karnali | Nepalgunj |
| Rara Airport (Talcha) | Mugu | RARA | Karnali | Nepalgunj |
| Dolpa Airport | Dolpa | DOP | Karnali | Nepalgunj |
| Jomsom Airport | Mustang | JMO | Gandaki | Pokhara |
| Tumlingtar Airport | Sankhuwasabha | TMI | Koshi | Kathmandu |
| Taplejung Airport (Suketar) | Taplejung | TPJ | Koshi | Kathmandu |
| Phaplu Airport | Solukhumbu | PPL | Koshi | Kathmandu |
| Tenzing–Hillary Airport (Lukla) | Lukla | LUA | Koshi | Kathmandu / Ramechhap |
Overview of Domestic Air Travel in Nepal
Domestic flights in Nepal are operated by several airlines including Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, Shree Airlines, Tara Air, and Sita Air. These airlines provide regular scheduled flights between Kathmandu and major regional airports across the country. Mountain airstrips such as Lukla and Jomsom are particularly popular among international tourists heading to trekking regions including Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit.
As tourism continues to grow and infrastructure improves, Nepal’s domestic aviation network is expected to expand further. Airports across the country play a vital role in connecting remote communities, supporting tourism development, and strengthening regional economic activities.