Kathmandu Tribhuvan Airport (KTM) Flights & Information

Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) is the primary international gateway to Nepal, connecting the Himalayan nation to over 40 destinations in 17 countries. For decades it was the only international airport in the country but there are now more in Pokhara (PKR) and Bhairahawa (BWA). Despite this, KTM remains the busiest airport in Nepal, handling around 7 million passengers annually.

Located just a few miles from the bustling city center of Kathmandu, the airport offers a unique blend of traditional Nepalese hospitality and modern airport facilities. KTM also serves as the main gateway for travelers heading to Mount Everest, whether for a summit expedition or a scenic flight around the peak.

While its role as Nepal's main airport is undisputed, KTM still faces challenges in terms of congestion and outdated infrastructure. This expert guide to Tribhuvan International Airport will make your experience as smooth as possible.

Terminals at Kathmandu Airport

Kathmandu Airport operates 2 terminals – one for international flights and another for domestic flights. The international terminal typically accommodates up to 1,350 passengers per hour, but during peak hours it handles as many as 2,200.

The international terminal has been modernized to an extent, but it continues to face challenges with overcrowding during peak times. Renovation and expansion projects in some sections of the airport are still underway and will hopefully improve the flow. Moreover, despite being smaller and modest, the domestic terminal caters to a large volume of domestic flights to dozens of destinations, handling more than 11,000 passengers daily.

Arrival experience at Tribhuvan International Airport

Upon arrival at KTM, passengers encounter a mix of historic and compact infrastructure, with ongoing efforts aimed at improving the overall experience. I’ve flown through this airport numerous times and the arrival process can vary depending on the time of day and passenger load. If you arrive during the day, immigration lines are usually manageable, but evening international flights often result in long lines.

The immigration process is relatively simple but slow. International passengers are advised to fill out arrival forms in advance and have their documents ready. On average, it can take 30 to 60 minutes to clear immigration, but during peak hours, especially with the arrival of multiple international flights, this can easily extend beyond an hour.

A recent improvement I’ve noticed is the use of automated immigration eGates for biometric passports. Though not widespread, they are being gradually introduced and this should improve processing times for certain travelers. Once immigration is cleared, baggage claim is straightforward. However, baggage handling still has room for improvement, with long waits not uncommon (especially in the morning and evening).

Customs and security

After retrieving baggage, passengers must pass through customs. This process tends to be hassle-free, though random checks may cause slight delays. In my experience, customs officers are generally courteous, but the lack of modern scanners or automated systems means manual checks are still frequent.

Security measures at KTM have improved over the years, with enhanced surveillance and updated scanners. While the security screening may seem basic compared to larger international airports, the procedures meet standard safety protocols and additional checks are sometimes carried out for flights heading to sensitive destinations.

Departing from KTM

On your departure day, I recommend arriving at least 3 hours before your flight to allow sufficient time for check-in, security and immigration. The airport has a web check-in facility for most airlines, which can help speed up the process. However, if you're checking in baggage, prepare for long lines, especially at the main counters.

Security screening for departing passengers can be time-consuming due to the limited number of security lanes. Additionally, immigration clearance can take up to an hour during busy periods, so it’s essential to factor in enough time before your flight. The airport staff are generally helpful, though the lack of efficient automated systems can make the process feel cumbersome at times.

Ground transportation options to and from KTM

One of the challenges at KTM is the lack of seamless public transportation options. The airport is located roughly 3.5 miles from the city center, but public transit services are minimal. Most passengers rely on taxis or pre-arranged hotel pickups for transportation. Taxis are available just outside the terminal, but the lack of standard fare meters can lead to overcharging, particularly for first-time visitors.

Personally, I recommend arranging transportation in advance through your hotel or opting for rideshare apps like Pathao, inDrive or Tootle, which have become popular in Kathmandu. Recently, these app-based services are being used widely as they offer a safer and more convenient way to get around. Moreover, numerous hotels in Kathmandu provide shuttle services, making it an excellent option to bypass any confusion at the airport.

A significant downside to the airport’s location is the congestion on Kathmandu’s roads. What should be a 20-minute ride from the airport to the city can easily stretch to around an hour due to heavy traffic, particularly during rush hours.

Domestic flight connectivity

KTM serves as the primary hub for domestic air travel within Nepal, offering flights to regional, remote and mountainous destinations. Multiple airlines including Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, Shree Airlines and Nepal Airlines, among others, operate regular domestic flights from the domestic terminal.

If you're planning to fly domestically after arriving in Kathmandu, I suggest allowing ample time between your international and domestic flights. The domestic terminal is a short walk from the international terminal, but security checks and the often-unpredictable nature of domestic flights mean delays are common.

In my experience with domestic flights from KTM, the boarding process can feel chaotic, particularly during peak trekking seasons. Nepal weather is also a major factor, as flights to destinations in the hilly and mountainous regions are often delayed or canceled due to poor visibility.

Facilities and services at the airport

KTM facilities are modest compared to other international airports in the region, but gradual improvements are noticeable. Free Wi-Fi is available, though it’s slower for video streaming. I find mobile data more reliable and local SIM cards can be easily purchased at the airport or in the city.

Duty-free shopping at the airport is limited, offering a few stores with liquor, perfumes and souvenirs. While prices are fair, the selection isn’t wide. I personally recommend purchasing souvenirs or other items in the city rather than at the airport, as you’ll find a much wider range of products at lower prices.

Food and beverage options are basic. The food court is also limited, with a few cafes serving tea, coffee and light snacks. It’s always advisable to grab a meal before heading to the airport, especially if you have a long wait. Additionally, the cost of food inside the airport tends to be on the higher side.

Banking, currency exchange and parking facilities

Banking services are accessible, with a bank counter in the departure lounge and 2 currency exchange counters in the arrivals lounge. Several international and local banks provide ATMs for cash withdrawals and other banking needs, ensuring that currency services are readily available in multiple forms.

Parking at KTM includes a designated area in front of the operations building, accommodating 350 2-wheel and 100 4-wheel vehicles. The domestic terminal also has an allocated parking area with additional free parking areas for prepaid taxis and other vehicles.

Lounges at KTM

For passengers seeking comfort at Tribhuvan International Airport, there are several lounge options available, primarily in the international terminal. The Executive Lounge is situated on the first floor of the departures hall immediately after passing through immigration.

In the international terminal, passengers can also access 2 lounges via Priority Pass. For premium travelers, Thai Airways offers a Royal Silk Lounge available to airline business class passengers and Star Alliance Gold members. However, this lounge is located before the security checkpoint, which you may find less convenient as you’ll need to leave early enough to clear that before boarding.

The Radisson Hotel Kathmandu also operates an executive lounge located on the first floor of the departures hall in the international terminal. It caters to first and business class passengers of select airlines. Additionally, the Horizon Lounge managed by the Soaltee Hotel Group, is available in the international terminal and there is also a CIP Lounge available for hourly reservations.