Kathmandu, Dec 31: The number of domestic and international air passengers at Nepal’s three international airports has increased significantly. According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), domestic air passengers rose by 13% and international air passengers by 7.9% in 2024 compared to the previous year.
Presenting the annual progress report on the occasion of CAAN’s 26th anniversary, Director General Pradip Adhikari shared that a total of 8,760,302 domestic air passengers traveled through the three international airports by November 2024. This is an increase from 7.7 million domestic air passengers recorded by November 2023.
Similarly, international air passenger numbers reached 4,449,133 by November 2024, reflecting a 7.9% growth. Nepal currently operates three international airports: Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Gautam Buddha International Airport, and Pokhara International Airport. Out of the country’s 55 airports, 35 are connected to the domestic air network.
The number of international airlines operating in Nepal decreased from 29 in 2023 to 28 in 2024 after Vistara Airlines merged with Air India. Nepal offers regular flights to 29 international destinations across 16 countries.
Domestically, out of 21 licensed airlines, 19 are currently active. Director General Adhikari emphasized CAAN’s focus on infrastructure development and aviation safety. Construction of an apron area capable of accommodating up to 18 international aircraft on the northern side of the airport and a new taxiway is underway.
Modern electronic equipment has been introduced in the domestic and international terminal areas, including advanced systems in various sections of the airport. The extension of 315 meters on Runway 2, along with the completion of an approach board and fire exit, has enhanced operational safety. Additionally, a 1,400-square-meter parking area has been expanded in the landside zone of the airport.
Construction activities began at TIA in November 2024, reducing nighttime operational hours to facilitate these works. Meanwhile, the Nijgadh International Airport project, envisioned as an alternative full-capacity international airport under ICAO Code 4F, has completed its detailed engineering design for Phase 1. #TIA #domestic
