Tribhuvan International Airport (abbreviated as TIA, IATA code KTM) is located in Kathmandu, Nepal, and is the country’s main international airport. It connects Nepal to over 40 destinations across 17 countries/regions. The airport was inaugurated in 1955 by King Mahendra of Nepal and he renamed it after his beloved father.

Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) is the main international airport of Nepal, located in Kathmandu, about 5 km from the city center. It is the oldest and busiest airport in the country and serves as the central hub for both domestic and international air travel.

 

🏛️ Key Facts

  • IATA Code: KTM

  • ICAO Code: VNKT

  • Location: Gaushala, Kathmandu, Nepal

  • Elevation: 1,338 meters (4,390 ft) above sea level

  • Runway: 02/20 — 3,350 meters, asphalt

  • Type: Public / International

  • Hub for:

    • Nepal Airlines

    • Himalaya Airlines

    • Several domestic carriers (Yeti Airlines, Buddha Air, Saurya, etc.)

📜 History

  • Established: 1955 (originally Gauchar Airport)

  • Renamed: In 1964, named after King Tribhuvan of Nepal

  • Over the decades, it has undergone expansions to accommodate growing tourism, including runway improvements and terminal renovations.

🧳 Terminals

TIA has two main terminals:

1. International Terminal

  • Handles flights to/from Asia, the Middle East, and occasional long-haul routes

  • Facilities include immigration, duty-free shops, lounges, currency exchange, and restaurants

2. Domestic Terminal

  • Very busy hub for flights to Pokhara, Lukla, Bharatpur, Biratnagar, Nepalgunj, and other regional airports

🌍 Airlines & Destinations

Regular international connections include:

  • India (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata)

  • UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi)

  • Qatar (Doha)

  • Turkey (Istanbul)

  • Malaysia, Thailand, China, Bangladesh, Singapore

Seasonally, other airlines operate based on demand and tourism.

⚠️ Challenges

TIA is known for:

  • Congestion, especially during peak tourist seasons

  • Weather-related delays because of Kathmandu Valley’s geography

  • Limited runway capacity, making expansion difficult

This is part of why Nepal has been planning/constructing new international airports (e.g., Pokhara International Airport, Gautam Buddha International Airport).

🚇 Access

  • Close to central Kathmandu

  • Reached via taxis, ride-sharing, hotel pickups, and buses. A hassle-free and safe private transfer from Tribhuvan International Airport to the city centre starts from only $15!. you can rent a car at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu through car rental in Nepal, which have kiosks or services available at the Kathmandu airport.

  • Traffic congestion near the airport is common, so travelers usually leave early

🧭 Why It’s Important

  • Primary entry point for climbers heading to Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, and other trekking regions

  • A critical economic and tourism gateway for Nepal