Taplejung Airport (TPJ)

Taplejung, NP 🇳🇵 Medium Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

VNTJ

IATA

TPJ

Elevation

7990 ft

Region

NP-P1

Local Time

Airport Information

GPS Code: VNTJ

Local Code: Not available

Location: 27.3509° N, 87.69525° E

Continent: AS

Type: Medium Airport

Keywords: Suketar Airport

Arrivals

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Departures

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External Links

Wikipedia Live Flights

Nearby Points of Interest

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What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

While direct, individual traveler reviews for Taplejung Airport (VNTJ/TPJ) in late 2024 and 2025 are scarce, available information paints a picture of an airport that is crucial for regional connectivity but significantly impacted by operational challenges. Traveler sentiment is largely shaped by the reliability of air services, which has been inconsistent due to weather and aircraft availability. When flights operate, the airport facilitates access to important tourist and pilgrimage sites.

What Travelers Love

Gateway to Himalayan Region: The airport is a vital access point for the Kanchanjunga Conservation Area and the Pathibhara Devi Temple, making it attractive for trekkers and pilgrims.
Essential Connectivity: For remote Himalayan communities, air service from Taplejung Airport is a lifeline for rapid movement of people, goods, and emergency services, especially given challenging mountainous terrain.
Wi-Fi Availability: The airport is equipped with Wi-Fi, which is a beneficial amenity for travelers.
Parking Options: There are various parking providers offering shuttle services, 24/7 security, and covered parking near the airport, which can be booked in advance.

Common Complaints

Frequent Flight Cancellations and Unreliability: The most significant complaint is the inconsistent operation of flights, primarily due to adverse weather conditions (poor visibility, fog, low clouds, rainfall) and issues with aircraft availability (e.g., grounding of Nepal Airlines Corporation's Twin Otter aircraft). This has led to severe disruptions for residents needing medical care and tourists planning treks.
Limited Amenities: While Wi-Fi is available, explicit mentions of extensive terminal facilities, diverse restaurants, or duty-free stores are not prominent in recent operational descriptions, and one source notes no banks/ATMs and no restaurants within the airport itself, though some hotels and restaurants are available in the city area.
Security and Immigration Wait Times (Estimated): While not a widespread "complaint" from traveler reviews, estimated wait times for security can be around 25-27 minutes and immigration around 8 minutes, which travelers should factor into their arrival plans, especially during peak hours.
Lack of Re-fueling Facility: The airport does not have a re-fueling facility.

Overall, traveler sentiment at Taplejung Airport is heavily influenced by the reliability of flight operations. When services are consistent, the airport is highly valued for its critical role in connecting the region. However, frequent disruptions pose significant challenges and frustrations for both locals and tourists relying on air travel to and from Taplejung. Improving flight consistency and enhancing ground facilities could significantly improve the traveler experience.

Generated False weeks ago

This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

Top Routes (by observations)

Tribhuvan Int'l (KTM) 1

Newly Discovered

Tribhuvan Int'l (KTM) new

Popular Flight Routes

Building Route Index: We are building our route index for commercial airports. Currently 1 routes are indexed for Taplejung Airport. For real-time updates, admin access is required.

0 destinations displayed

Destination	IATA	City	Aircraft Type	Airline	Details	Route Map
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Top Airlines

Operating at Taplejung Airport

Airlines by Flight Activity

Based on observed flight operations and route network

Airline	Routes	Flights	Destinations	Last Activity
Nepal Airlines `RNA` / `RA`	1	1	1	Jul 20, 2025

Showing top 1 airlines by flight activity. Data includes observed departures and route networks from this airport.

For Pilots

Designation	Length	Width	Surface	Status
`07/25`	2313 ft	- ft	Unknown	Active

Type	Description	Frequency

Ident	Name	Type	Frequency

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025

Taxis

Local jeeps and private cars serve as taxis and are the main transportation option. They are usually available outside the terminal when flights arrive. These vehicles connect the airport to the main town, Taplejung Bazaar, and other nearby destinations. Fares are not metered, so it is essential to negotiate the price with the driver before starting your journey.

Rental Cars

Formal car rental agencies do not operate at Taplejung Airport. The closest option is to hire a private vehicle with a driver, which is typically a 4x4 jeep. This can be arranged for local sightseeing or for transport to trekking points. It is best to organize this in advance through a local hotel or travel agent in Taplejung Bazaar.

Public Transportation

There is no direct public bus or transit service at the airport itself. The main hub for public buses and shared jeeps is in Taplejung Bazaar, located a few kilometers from the airport. Travelers must first take a taxi or jeep from the airport to the town center to access these public transport services for onward travel.

Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.