Several international flights currently operate in and out of Nepal, with Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu serving as the major entry point. Known as the land of the Himalayas, Nepal attracts not only trekkers and adventure seekers but also a growing number of global travelers. No matter what kind of activity you’re planning, your journey to Nepal will most likely begin at TIA, Nepal’s only international airport for now.
Nepal’s aviation industry is evolving quickly. With the recent addition of Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa and Pokhara International Airport, the country is steadily expanding its global connectivity. This growth brings more airlines, new routes, and greater travel flexibility for everyone. Although these new international airports aren’t operating at full capacity yet, we’re hopeful that soon travelers will have more convenient options to land in Nepal.
So, let’s dive deeper now. Here's everything you need to know about the international flights currently operating in Nepal, the primary routes, and what you can expect when flying in or out of the country.
Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu- The major gateway
Kathmandu’s TIA is the most occupied and most connected airport in Nepal. Almost all international travelers still land here. Despite being super busy and in need of a facelift, it continues to link Nepal with the outside world efficiently.
Airlines operating to and from Kathmandu:
Here’s a list of some prominent international carriers currently operating regular flights to Kathmandu as of 2025:
Nepal Airlines: The Flag Carrier of the Himalayas
Nepal Airlines holds a proud place in the country’s aviation history as both a pioneer and a symbol of national essence. Previously known as Royal Nepal Airlines, it stands as Nepal’s oldest and only government-owned full-service airline. Despite facing multiple challenges, setbacks, and periods of transformation, Nepal Airlines continues to play a vital role in connecting Nepal with the rest of the world.
Nepal Airlines serves a limited but important set of international flights. Most of their global operations are focused on serving the Gulf region, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, with a few long-haul seasonal routes.
The current international destinations served by Nepal Airlines include:
- Delhi (DEL): Daily flights, 7 days a week
- Doha (DOH): Regular flights, 6 days a week (except Sunday)
- Dubai (DXB): Frequent flights, 4 days a week
- Kuala Lumpur (KUL): 3 days a week
Similarly, Nepal Airlines provides service to other destinations like Japan and Hong Kong 2 to 3 times a week.
Fly Dubai: Famous among many travelers because of its low-cost option with wide connectivity.
- Hub: Dubai, UAE
- Service: Daily (20 flights weekly from Dubai to Kathmandu)
Himalaya Airlines: Nepal-based international airline with reliable Gulf & Asian routes.
- Hub: Doha, Kuala Lumpur, Dammam
- Service: Daily (combined routes)
Air Arabia: A popular budget option for budget travelers and Nepali migrant workers
- Hub: Sharjah, UAE
- Service: Daily
Jazeera Airways: Budget carrier offering daily services to Gulf destinations.
- Hub: Kuwait City, Kuwait
- Service: Daily
Singapore Airlines: The best airline company in the world for sure.
- Hub: Singapore to Kathmandu
- Service: Several times a week with one direct flight each day
IndiGo Airlines: Serving multiple Indian cities daily and top choice for budget flyers.
- Hub: Delhi/Mumbai, India
- Service: Daily (at least two daily non-stop flights from Delhi to Kathmandu)
Thai Airways: The flag carrier and a major airline of Thailand, offering both passenger and cargo facilities.
- Hub: Bangkok, Thailand
- Service: Daily or a few times a week (flights can vary based on the season & specific schedules)
Air India: A Famous carrier connecting Nepal with India’s capital.
- Hub: Delhi, India
- Service: Every day (6 daily flights between Delhi & Kathmandu)
Turkish Airlines: The national flag carrier of Turkey and a prominent global airline, known for flying to more destinations than other carriers.
- Hub: Istanbul, Turkey
- Service: 5 direct flights per week between Istanbul to Kathmandu
Sichuan Airlines: The largest airline company in western China, and offers services to hubs across North America, Asia, Africa, Europe, and Oceania.
- Hub: Chengdu, China
- Service: Operates one daily flight between Chengdu & Kathmandu.
Drukair: The national flag carrier of Bhutan operates a scheduled flight network within the South Asian region from Paro Airport.
- Hub: Paro, Bhutan
- Service: 6 times a week from Paro (PBH) to Kathmandu (KTM)
Malaysia Airlines: The national carrier of Malaysia serving a network of destinations across Asia, Oceania, and Europe.
- Hub: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Service: 10 direct flights per week
Etihad Airways: The national airline of the UAE, serving over 120 destinations with a fleet of 125 aircraft.
- Hub: UAE
- Service: Weekly or daily service (flights can vary depending on the season & demand)
SriLankan Airlines: The national flag carrier of Sri Lanka, famous for its safety, comfort, and service.
- Hub: Colombo, Srilanka
- Service: 4 nonstop flights per week from Kathmandu to Srilanka
Korean Airlines: The flag carrier of South Korea, operating modern aircraft to several destinations across the globe, is popular for its smooth customer service.
- Hub: Incheon International Airport, Seoul
- Service: 2 nonstop flights per week
Vistara: Premium Indian carrier connecting Delhi with Kathmandu
- Hub: Delhi, India
- Service: Every day (schedules may shift depending on season & demand)
Qatar Airways: One of the most reliable carriers with smooth connections to Europe, America, and Africa.
- Hub: Doha, Qatar
- Service: Daily basis (3 flights)
Important tips before flying to Nepal
- If you're flying from Europe, the most suitable transit points are Istanbul in Turkey, Doha in Qatar, or Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE.
- Flights to Nepal from North America, Europe, and Australia are only available as connecting routes. It's best to book your layovers through major hubs in Asia or the Middle East for a hassle-free journey.
- Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) has an easy visa-on-arrival procedure for most nationalities. But always check current rules before flying.
- March–May and September–November are busy seasons with high movement of people. Flights to and from Nepal get packed. Book ahead!
- Due to air traffic congestion or weather, flights to/from Kathmandu can be delayed. So, prepare for the delays.
Final Thoughts
Nepal is still expanding its aviation infrastructure, but the number of international carriers flying into the country has gradually increased over the years. With the recent openings of new international airports in Bhairahawa and Pokhara, Nepal is gradually building a more connected future. For now, Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu continues to serve as the prior international gateway, while the new airports are slowly gaining momentum.
If you're planning a trip to Nepal, take time to explore your airline alternatives ahead of time. Whether you're flying from Europe, the Gulf, or nearby South Asia, flying to Nepal is easier than you might expect.
Abhishek Dhital relishes observing the customs and cultures of many regions of Nepal as a travel photographer, blogger, and certified trekking guide. He is a native of Dang, a stunning region in western Nepal. He was raised in the Inner Terai and has always loved to climb up to his hometown's highlands. He moved to Kathmandu after completing his schooling, where he received a bachelor's degree in Travel and Tourism Management from Nepal College of Travel and Tourism Management, Lazimpat. He stated, "When I began studying tourism, I became really attracted to its service approach and made the decision to become a professional tour guide and travel writer.
In 2015, he began his photographic journey. He gradually began traveling and shooting genuine grins and experiences. He is now discovering fresh and original techniques to market Nepal and give his clients first-rated service in the mountains.
He declared, "I am really happy to be a member of Footprint Adventure as I can develop my career in a booming tourism industry where I may get the chance to perform well and prove my abilities accepting challenges and pressures completing the organizational goal." He genuinely believes in the power of nature, and he thinks it can change people's outlooks and lead them to discover their life's purpose.
