Overview

Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) is Nepal’s only international airport and a major aviation hub in South Asia. Situated in Kathmandu, the capital city, TIA serves as the primary entry point for millions of travelers visiting Nepal every year. Whether you are coming for trekking in the Himalayas, business travel, or cultural tourism, TIA is the airport that welcomes you to Nepal.

Tribhuvan International Airport

• Airport Name: Tribhuvan International Airport

• IATA Code: KTM

• ICAO Code: VNKT

• Location: Kathmandu, Bagmati Province, Nepal

• Altitude: 1,338 meters (4,390 feet) above sea level

• Type: Public / Military

• Owner/Operator: Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN)

• Named After: King Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah

Why Tribhuvan International Airport Matters

Nepal’s Only International Gateway

Tribhuvan International Airport is the main international gateway to Nepal. It connects Kathmandu to more than 25 cities across Asia and the Middle East, making it the backbone of Nepal’s aviation network.

Critical for Nepal’s Tourism Economy

TIA plays a central role in facilitating Nepal’s tourism industry, which is one of the country’s largest economic sectors. Each year, millions of tourists fly into TIA to explore destinations such as Mount Everest, Annapurna Circuit, Pokhara, and Chitwan National Park.

Strategic Location

Located just 5 km from Kathmandu Durbar Square, the airport provides convenient access to the heart of Kathmandu, making it a preferred entry point for both international visitors and domestic travelers.

Airport Terminals and Facilities

1. International Terminal

The International Terminal at TIA handles all overseas flights and includes:

• Immigration and Customs Services

• Visa on Arrival Counters for eligible nationalities

• Baggage Claim & Duty-Free Shops

• Lounges including CIP (Commercially Important Person) lounges

• Currency Exchange, ATMs, and SIM Card counters

2. Domestic Terminal

This terminal handles flights to over 20 regional airports within Nepal including:

• Pokhara (PKR)

• Lukla (LUA)

• Bharatpur (BHR)

• Biratnagar (BIR)

3. Under-Construction: New International Terminal (Terminal 3)

To reduce congestion and improve passenger experience, a modern international terminal is under construction with expanded runways, upgraded navigation systems, and increased capacity.

Airlines Operating at TIA

Tribhuvan International Airport hosts a mix of international airlines and local carriers:

International Airlines

• Qatar Airways

• Flydubai

• Air India

• Turkish Airlines

• China Southern Airlines

• Thai Airways

• Malaysia Airlines

• Himalaya Airlines (Nepal-based international carrier)

Domestic Airlines

• Nepal Airlines

• Buddha Air

• Yeti Airlines

• Sita Air

• Tara Air

Popular Flight Routes

• Kathmandu to Delhi (KTM–DEL)

• Kathmandu to Doha (KTM–DOH)

• Kathmandu to Dubai (KTM–DXB)

• Kathmandu to Bangkok (KTM–BKK)

• Kathmandu to Kuala Lumpur (KTM–KUL)

Tribhuvan International Airport Runway and Navigation

• Runway: Single asphalt runway (02/20)

• Length: 3,050 meters (10,007 feet)

• Navigation Aids: VOR/DME, NDB, ILS

• Due to Kathmandu’s mountainous terrain and high elevation, flying in and out of TIA requires specialized pilot training.

Passenger Services and Amenities

• Free Wi-Fi access

• Food courts and cafes

• Duty-free shopping

• Medical and emergency services

• Transportation options: Taxis, ride-sharing, hotel shuttles

• Car rental services

• Travel assistance desks

• Luggage storage and lost-and-found services

Current Limitations and Challenges

1. Overcrowding

TIA was originally built to handle far fewer passengers than it currently serves. Annual passenger traffic has exceeded 7 million, pushing the airport beyond its intended capacity.

2. Limited Infrastructure

With just one runway and limited aircraft parking space, flight delays—especially during peak hours—are common.

3. Weather-Related Delays

The airport often faces disruptions due to fog in winter and heavy rain during monsoons.

Recent and Planned Developments

To keep up with growing demand, several upgrades are underway:

• New Terminal Construction with expanded check-in and immigration counters

• Runway extension and resurfacing

• Upgraded baggage handling systems

• Advanced radar and air traffic control systems

Nearby Accommodation and Transport

Hotels Near Tribhuvan International Airport

• Hotel Meridian Suite

• Summit Residency Airport Hotel

• Hotel Krishna Kathmandu

• Kathmandu Marriott Hotel (10–15 min drive)

Transport Options

• Pre-paid taxis

• Local buses (cheap but not tourist-friendly)

• Private vehicle rentals

• Ride-hailing services like Pathao or InDrive

Tribhuvan International Airport in Emergency Relief

During the 2015 Nepal Earthquake, TIA became a key logistical hub for international relief and rescue operations, demonstrating its strategic national importance beyond civil aviation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there Wi-Fi at Tribhuvan International Airport?

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available in both domestic and international terminals.

Can I get a visa on arrival at TIA?

Yes, citizens from many countries are eligible for Visa on Arrival, which can be obtained at the immigration counters.

What’s the best time to fly into TIA?

Morning flights are usually more punctual, especially during winter when fog can delay arrivals and departures.

 

Conclusion

Tribhuvan International Airport is much more than a transportation facility—it’s a gateway to Nepal’s natural wonders, cultural heritage, and spiritual journeys. As Nepal modernizes and expands its aviation sector, TIA remains at the forefront, adapting to meet global travel standards while retaining its unique Himalayan charm.