Nepal Flights – getting to and around Nepal by air The first rule of flying in Nepal is to get a window seat — there are few better views you can have from a plane than looking out over the mighty Himalayas. If you’re flying internationally, Kathmandu (KTM) will usually be your first port of
Nepal Flights – getting to and around Nepal by air
The first rule of flying in Nepal is to get a window seat — there are few better views you can have from a plane than looking out over the mighty Himalayas.
If you’re flying internationally, Kathmandu (KTM) will usually be your first port of call. From here, you can reach most regions of the country using domestic airlines — a good idea if you’re on a tight schedule or just prefer to avoid long, winding road journeys.
Nepal’s second international airport, Gautam Buddha International Airport, near Lumbini (the birthplace of Lord Buddha), opened in May 2022. This is particularly exciting news for anyone looking to follow the Buddhist Circuit through Nepal and northern India.
At present, Jazeera Airways operates flights here from its Kuwaiti hub, and other international airlines are gradually starting services, expanding travel options to and from Lumbini.
Below is our list of the current and planned international airlines that operate flights into Nepal, along with a list of domestic airlines and routes to help you plan your itinerary.
If you’d like some help with your Nepal travel plans, feel free to get in touch with our team.
Nepal flights (international)
The following airlines offer direct flights into Kathmandu (KTM) from major cities across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Many of these carriers also connect with destinations in the Americas, Africa, Oceania, and Europe, making indirect flights with one or more stopovers possible.
Flight services to and from Gautam Buddha International Airport (BWA) near Lumbini are gradually expanding. Currently, Jazeera Airways operates flights here from Kuwait, with more international airlines expected to start services in the coming months.
Some of the most popular airlines for indirect flights to Nepal include Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Air India, Etihad Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines.
Links are included to all airline websites for up-to-date schedules and bookings.
Nepal flights from India, Bhutan, and Bangladesh
Nepal Airlines operates flights from Kathmandu to destinations including Doha, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Narita, and Delhi.
Himalaya Airlines operates flights from Kathmandu to Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Dammam, Doha, Dubai, Beijing, and Dhaka.
Buddha Air operates flights between Kathmandu and Varanasi.
Drukair operates flights between Kathmandu and Paro.
Air India operates flights between Kathmandu and Delhi.
IndiGo and Vistara operate regular flights between Kathmandu and major Indian cities, including Delhi.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines operates flights between Kathmandu and Dhaka.
Bhutan Airlines operates flights between Kathmandu and Paro.
Nepal flights from South East Asia
Nepal Airlines: Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur
Thai AirAsia: Bangkok – Kathmandu
Malaysia Airlines: Kuala Lumpur – Kathmandu
Batik Air Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur – Kathmandu
Singapore Airlines: No direct flights (connecting only)
Nepal flights from China and East Asia
Nepal Airlines: Guangzhou, Hong Kong
Korean Air: Limited/seasonal (not weekly scheduled)
Nepal flights from the Middle East
Emirates: Dubai – Kathmandu
Flydubai: Dubai – Kathmandu
Air Arabia / Air Arabia Abu Dhabi: Sharjah & Abu Dhabi – Kathmandu
Etihad Airways: Abu Dhabi – Kathmandu
Qatar Airways: Doha – Kathmandu (1–3 daily)
Nepal Airlines & Himalaya Airlines: Doha, Dubai routes
Oman Air & SalamAir: Muscat – Kathmandu
Jazeera Airways & Kuwait Airways: Kuwait – Kathmandu
Gulf Air: Bahrain – Kathmandu
Nepal flights from Europe
Turkish Airlines Istanbul to Kathmandu (connected to most of Europe)
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Nepal flights (domestic)
Three major domestic airlines are operating in Nepal: Nepal Airlines, Buddha Air, and Yeti Airlines. Along with a handful of smaller airlines, they offer fast travel to most major Nepali cities, towns, and places of interest.
Below is a summary of the flight types, routes, and airlines to help you with your planning. If you’d like some help getting your itinerary booked or need some guidance about where to go and what to do, feel free to get in touch.
Flights operate using two main types of aircraft;
Turboprop Aircraft
Used for major city-to-city routes, these aircraft are reliable, fuel-efficient, and suitable for medium-distance travel.
Common models include:
- ATR 72 (used by Buddha Air & Yeti Airlines)
- ATR 42 (used by Buddha Air)
These aircraft typically carry 40–70 passengers and operate on routes like Kathmandu–Pokhara or Kathmandu–Bhairahawa.
STOL Aircraft (Short Take Off and Landing)
Used for remote and mountain airstrips, especially where runways are short or at high altitude.
Common models include:
- DHC-6 Twin Otter
- Dornier Do-228
Domestic flight routes
These are direct routes currently operating in Nepal. The most popular routes operate at least once a day, but some of the more remote areas are only reached by air on certain days.
Indirect routes are also bookable, usually with a transit in Kathmandu (e.g., Pokhara to Janakpur), or you may have to stop overnight somewhere on the more unusual routes.
Typical luggage allowance
Standard Domestic Flights (city routes)
20–25 kg checked baggage + 5 kg hand carry
(Common on routes operated by Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, and Nepal Airlines)
Mountain / Remote Flights (e.g. Lukla, Jomsom)
10–15 kg total (combined checked + hand carry)
Due to weight restrictions on smaller STOL aircraft, baggage limits are stricter and may vary depending on weather and passenger load.
Check-in and delays
You should aim to be at the airport at least 90 mins before your departure time. Domestic flights are often delayed due to weather or other reasons, so you may have to display some patience at times.
If you’re trying to connect with an international flight, it’s wise to leave a good chunk of time between the two, just in case of delays.
Domestic airlines
As the national carrier, Nepal Airlines operates both international and domestic services. From Kathmandu, it connects to key destinations such as Pokhara, Biratnagar, Nepalgunj, Bhairahawa, and occasionally remote sectors like Lukla, Jumla, and Dolpa.
One of Nepal’s most reliable private carriers, Buddha Air operates frequent flights across major cities, including Pokhara, Bharatpur, Biratnagar, and Bhairahawa. It also runs scenic mountain flights such as the Everest Experience.
The airline has announced plans for a subsidiary, Yashodhara Air, aimed at serving STOL (remote) sectors, though operations are yet to begin.
Yeti Airlines is a major domestic operator focusing on city-to-city routes like Pokhara, Bhairahawa, and Nepalgunj. It is the parent company of Tara Air, which handles remote and mountainous destinations.
Together, they provide extensive coverage across Nepal, including access to trekking regions. Yeti also offers the popular Everest scenic flight.
Saurya Airlines is one of the few carriers in Nepal operating jet aircraft (CRJ series) on domestic routes. It serves major cities like Biratnagar, Bhadrapur, and Nepalgunj, offering a different flying experience compared to turboprop airlines.
Simrik Airlines operates scheduled domestic flights and also provides helicopter charter services. It connects a limited number of destinations and is often used for charter and specialized travel needs.
A subsidiary of Yeti Airlines, Tara Air specializes in STOL operations, connecting remote destinations such as Lukla, Jomsom, Dolpa, and Simikot. It operates from Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Nepalgunj, making it a key airline for trekking access.
Guna Airlines operates scheduled flights from Kathmandu to destinations such as Pokhara, Bharatpur, and Biratnagar, contributing to Nepal’s growing domestic air connectivity.
Established in 2000, Sita Air is well known for its STOL operations using Dornier aircraft. It serves remote mountain destinations from bases in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Nepalgunj, catering to both locals and international trekkers.
Summit Air focuses on remote area connectivity using LET-410 STOL aircraft. Operating from Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Nepalgunj, it plays a crucial role in reaching less accessible regions of Nepal.
All information is accurate at the time of writing and subject to change based on airline operations and regulatory updates.
If planning domestic flights in Nepal feels overwhelming, feel free to get in touch—our team is here to help you design a smooth and efficient travel itinerary.
Written by
Travel NepalNepal travel writer & trekking enthusiast. Covering the best of Himalayan adventures since 2019.
