list of airports in Nepal
Nepal’s Airports: A Gateway to the Himalayas
Nepal, the land of towering peaks and breathtaking landscapes, relies heavily on its network of airports to connect its diverse regions and welcome adventurers from around the globe. While challenging terrain makes airport construction and operation unique, Nepal boasts a surprisingly extensive, though often developing, air travel infrastructure. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the airports in Nepal, covering their locations, services, and importance to the country’s tourism and connectivity.
#ff6900 The Importance of Airports in Nepal
Nepal’s geography is dominated by the Himalayas, making road travel difficult and time-consuming, especially to remote areas. Airports, therefore, are crucial for several reasons:
- Tourism: The primary international gateway, Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu, is the starting point for most visitors eager to trek, climb, or experience the Nepali culture. Domestic airports facilitate access to popular trekking regions like Lukla, Pokhara, and Bharatpur.
- Remote Area Connectivity: Many communities in Nepal are only accessible by air. These airports provide essential links for supplies, healthcare, and communication.
- Economic Development: Air travel supports trade, commerce, and economic growth by connecting businesses and markets.
- Emergency Services: Airports are vital for medical evacuations and disaster relief efforts in a country prone to natural calamities.
#ff6900 A List of Airports in Nepal
Nepal currently has 75 airports, categorized as follows: 35 domestic airports, 1 international airport, and 39 STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) ports. Here’s a detailed list, including key information:
| Airport Name | City/Region Served | IATA Code | ICAO Code | Runway Length (approx. ft) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tribhuvan International Airport | Kathmandu | KTM | VNKT | 10,800 | International |
| Pokhara Airport | Pokhara | PKR | VNPK | 10,500 | Domestic (Currently Closed for Upgrade) |
| Bharatpur Airport | Bharatpur | BTR | VNBP | 6,693 | Domestic |
| Simara Airport | Simara | SIM | VNSI | 5,000 | Domestic |
| Janakpur Airport | Janakpur | JNK | VNJP | 5,000 | Domestic |
| Biratnagar Airport | Biratnagar | VTR | VNBR | 7,000 | Domestic |
| Bhairahawa Airport | Bhairahawa | BWA | VNBW | 6,500 | Domestic |
| Nepalgunj Airport | Nepalgunj | KEP | VNNG | 6,000 | Domestic |
| Dhangadhi Airport | Dhangadhi | DGH | VNDH | 6,000 | Domestic |
| Rajbiraj Airport | Rajbiraj | RJB | VNBR | 4,921 | Domestic |
| Tumlingtar Airport | Tumlingtar | TMR | VNMT | 4,000 | Domestic |
| Lukla Airport (Tenzing-Hillary Airport) | Lukla | LUA | VNLL | 1,729 | STOL |
| Jomsom Airport | Jomsom | JOM | VNJS | 2,900 | STOL |
| Manang Airport | Manang | NAG | VNMA | 2,287 | STOL |
| Dolpa Airport | Dolpa | DOL | VNPL | 2,600 | STOL |
| Rukumkot Airport | Rukumkot | RUK | VNRK | 2,500 | STOL |
| Gorkha Airport | Gorkha | GOR | VNGK | 2,500 | STOL |
| Lamjung Airport | Lamjung | LMG | VNLG | 2,500 | STOL |
| Bajura Airport | Bajura | BJU | VNBJ | 2,500 | STOL |
| Humla Airport | Humla | HML | VNHM | 2,500 | STOL |
| Dolakha Airport | Dolakha | DLA | VNDK | 2,500 | STOL |
| Ilam Airport | Ilam | ILM | VNIL | 2,500 | STOL |
| Taplejung Airport | Taplejung | TUP | VNTP | 2,500 | STOL |
| Chainpur Airport | Chainpur | CNP | VNCP | 2,500 | STOL |
| Darchula Airport | Darchula | DAR | VNDA | 2,500 | STOL |
| Dipayal Airport | Dipayal | DPY | VNDY | 2,500 | STOL |
| Doti Airport | Doti | DTI | VNDT | 2,500 | STOL |
| Achham Airport | Achham | ACH | VNAC | 2,500 | STOL |
| Kalikot Airport | Kalikot | KOT | VNKC | 2,500 | STOL |
| Jumla Airport | Jumla | JUM | VNJM | 2,500 | STOL |
| Salyan Airport | Salyan | LYA | VNSL | 2,500 | STOL |
| Ramechhap Airport (Manthali) | Ramechhap | RME | VNMR | 3,600 | Domestic/STOL |
| Phaplu Airport | Phaplu | PFU | VNPL | 2,500 | STOL |
| Beni Airport | Beni | BEN | VNBN | 2,500 | STOL |
| Baglung Airport | Baglung | BGL | VNBL | 2,500 | STOL |
| Kabirdham Airport | Kabirdham | KBD | VNKD | 2,500 | STOL |
| Chaurjhari Airport | Chaurjhari | CJJ | VNCJ | 2,500 | STOL |
| Ghyangphedi Airport | Ghyangphedi | GHY | VNPG | 2,500 | STOL |
| Kagbeni Airport | Kagbeni | KGN | VNKJ | 2,500 | STOL |
| Namche Bazaar Airport | Namche Bazaar | NMC | VNMB | 2,500 | STOL |
| Phoksundo Airport | Phoksundo | PSD | VNPS | 2,500 | STOL |
| Simikot Airport | Simikot | SIM | VNSM | 2,500 | STOL |
| Tansen Airport | Tansen | TNS | VNTN | 2,500 | STOL |
Note: Runway lengths are approximate and subject to change. The Pokhara Airport is currently closed for a major upgrade and expansion.
#ff6900 Challenges and Future Developments
Operating airports in Nepal presents unique challenges:
- Weather Dependency: Flights are frequently delayed or canceled due to unpredictable mountain weather.
- Terrain Limitations: Constructing and maintaining runways in mountainous areas is expensive and complex.
- Air Traffic Control: Managing air traffic in a congested airspace requires advanced technology and skilled personnel.
- Infrastructure Development: Many domestic airports lack modern facilities and require upgrades.
Despite these challenges, Nepal is actively working to improve its aviation infrastructure. Key developments include:
- Pokhara International Airport: A new international airport in Pokhara is nearing completion, aiming to reduce the burden on Kathmandu and boost tourism in the Annapurna region.
- Runway Upgrades: Several domestic airports are undergoing runway extensions and improvements to accommodate larger aircraft.
- Air Traffic Management System: The implementation of a modern air traffic management system is underway to enhance safety and efficiency.
- Regional Connectivity: Efforts are being made to improve connectivity between remote regions and major cities.
#ff6900 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the main international airport in Nepal?
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu is the only international airport in Nepal.
2. Is Lukla Airport dangerous?
Lukla Airport (Tenzing-Hillary Airport) is often cited as one of the most dangerous airports in the world due to its short runway, steep approach, and challenging weather conditions. However, with experienced pilots and strict safety protocols, it is generally considered safe.
3. What airlines operate in Nepal?
Several domestic airlines operate in Nepal, including Nepal Airlines, Yeti Airlines, Buddha Air, Shree Airlines, and Tara Air. International airlines serving Nepal include Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, and Air India.
4. Are there any airports currently under construction or expansion?
Yes, the Pokhara International Airport is the most significant ongoing project. Additionally, several smaller airports are undergoing upgrades to improve their facilities and capacity.
5. How can I find real-time flight information for Nepal?
You can find real-time flight information on the websites of Nepal Airlines and other operating airlines, as well as on flight tracking websites like FlightAware or FlightStats.
Resources:
- Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN): https://www.caanepal.gov.np/
- Nepal Airlines: https://www.nepalairlines.com.np/
- Yeti Airlines: https://www.yetiairlines.com/
- Buddha Air: https://www.buddhaair.com/
- Pokhara International Airport: https://www.pokharaairport.com.np/ (Under Construction)
