Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)
Kathmandu, NP 🇳🇵 Large International Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
VNKT
IATA
KTM
Elevation
4390 ft
Region
NP-P3
Local Time
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GPS Code: VNKT
Local Code: Not available
Location: 27.6966° N, 85.3591° E
Continent: Asia
Type: Large International Airport
Keywords: gaucharan
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu, Nepal, receives a mixed, though often critical, reception from recent travelers. While some acknowledge ongoing improvements and a touch of Nepalese hospitality, many find the airport's facilities and operational efficiency to be below international standards, leading to frequent congestion and frustrating experiences. The average traveler rating is around 6.2/10, which is noted as below the average for other airports.
What Travelers Love
- Friendly and Helpful Staff (sometimes): Despite systemic issues, some travelers have reported encountering helpful and courteous staff members. Private transfer drivers are frequently praised for their professionalism, punctuality, and helpfulness.
- Majestic Himalayan Views: The airport offers stunning views of the Himalayas, which can be a positive aspect of the arrival or departure experience.
- Efficient Private Transfers: Pre-booked private airport transfers are consistently rated highly for their convenience, punctuality, comfortable vehicles, and professional drivers, offering a stress-free connection to hotels and other destinations.
- Improving Departure Lounge (International): The international departure lounge has seen some improvements, now offering more charging options, ample seating, a coffee and confectionery shop, and a baby feeding area.
- Visa on Arrival Process: While bureaucratic, the option to obtain a visa on arrival is available, and pre-applying online can streamline this process.
Common Complaints
- Congestion and Long Queues: The airport is frequently described as congested, especially during peak travel seasons, leading to long queues at immigration, check-in, and security checkpoints.
- Terminal Facilities and Cleanliness: Facilities are often considered basic, with limited options for food and duty-free shops. Restrooms are a recurring complaint, often cited as dirty and smelly, with insufficient maintenance.
- Limited Seating: There is often a significant lack of seating in departure lounges and waiting areas, forcing passengers to stand.
- Slow Baggage Claim: Travelers frequently report that baggage claim is a very slow process due to non-automated handling.
- Security Experience: Security procedures can be time-consuming and repetitive, with reports of multiple bag searches and pat-downs, even immediately before boarding. Some travelers have also reported issues with security staff confiscating items or exhibiting unprofessional behavior.
- Poor Wi-Fi Connectivity: While free Wi-Fi is advertised, many travelers find it tricky to access or report it as intermittent and often not working.
- Bureaucratic Visa on Arrival: Despite being available, the visa-on-arrival process is often described as frustratingly bureaucratic, with potential for re-application at kiosks even after online pre-approval.
- Airport Layout and Incline: The reconfigured international terminal has been criticized for a steep floor incline in some areas, making it difficult for passengers to control heavily laden luggage trolleys.
Overall, Tribhuvan International Airport serves as Nepal's primary air travel hub and has seen some improvements, particularly in the international departure lounge. However, it continues to struggle with fundamental issues like congestion, cleanliness, and slow processes, impacting overall traveler satisfaction. While private transfers are highly recommended for seamless transit, travelers should prepare for potential delays and basic facilities within the airport itself.
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Airport Routes
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) offers 52 flight routes operated by 10 airlines. Major carriers include Shree Airlines, Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines and others. Popular destinations from Kathmandu include Nepalgunj, Dubai Int'l, Biratnagar, Indira Gandhi Int'l and Bhairahawa.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
Newly Discovered
- Nepalgunj (KEP) new
- Biratnagar (BIR) new
- Pokhara (PKR) new
- Bhairahawa (BWA) new
- Surkhet (SKH) new
- Bhadrapur (BDP) new
- Paro (PBH) new
- Janakpur (JKR) new
- Phaplu (PPL) new
- Bharatpur (BHR) new
- Indira Gandhi Int'l (DEL) new
- Dhangadhi (DHI) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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Top Airlines
Operating at Tribhuvan International AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Shree Airlines
SHA
/ N9
|
7 | 164 | 7 | Jan 23, 2026 |
|
Buddha Air
BHA
/ U4
|
13 | 134 | 13 | Jan 23, 2026 |
|
Yeti Airlines
NYT
/ YT
|
5 | 94 | 5 | Jan 23, 2026 |
|
Nepal Airlines
RNA
/ RA
|
6 | 9 | 6 | Jan 19, 2026 |
|
Jazeera Airways
JZR
/ J9
|
1 | 6 | 1 | Aug 20, 2025 |
Air Arabia
ABY
/ G9
|
1 | 6 | 1 | Aug 22, 2025 |
|
Bhutan Airlines
BTN
/ B3
|
2 | 4 | 2 | Jan 19, 2026 |
Air India
AIC
/ AI
|
1 | 4 | 1 | Aug 14, 2025 |
|
Drukair-Royal Bhutan Airlines
DRK
/ KB
|
1 | 4 | 1 | Jan 19, 2026 |
|
Himalaya Airlines
HIM
/ H9
|
2 | 4 | 2 | Aug 22, 2025 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
02/20 |
10991 ft | 148 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| APP | KATHMANDU APP | 120.6 MHz |
| ATIS | KATHMANDU ATIS | 127.0 MHz |
| GND | KATHMANDU GND | 121.9 MHz |
| RDO | KATHMANDU RDO | 292.3 MHz |
| TWR | KATHMANDU TWR | 118.1 MHz |
Ground Transportation
Taxis
Two main types of taxis are available. Inside the arrivals hall, you can find a pre-paid taxi service desk with fixed, government-approved rates to various destinations, which is a hassle-free option. Alternatively, you can walk outside the terminal to find regular city taxis, where you must negotiate the fare before starting your journey as meters are often not used. Ride-sharing apps like Pathao and inDrive are also widely used and can be a reliable option.
Rental Cars
Car rental at the airport typically means hiring a car with a driver, as self-drive rental services from major international companies are not common. It is highly recommended to pre-book a private vehicle through your hotel or a local travel/tour agency. This ensures a driver will be waiting for you upon arrival, providing a seamless transfer to your destination.
Public Transportation
Public buses are the most budget-friendly option but are not the most convenient. There is no bus stop directly inside the airport terminal. You must walk about 5-10 minutes from the terminal building to the main road (Ring Road) to catch a local bus. Buses can be very crowded and may not be suitable if you have large luggage. Look for the green 'Sajha Yatayat' buses, which are generally larger and more comfortable than the smaller microbuses.
Nearby Airports
Pokhara International Airport
Pokhara, NP
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
Pokhara International Airport
Pokhara, NP
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
External Links & Resources
Official Resources
Public Transportation