Famous for its mountain airports, Nepal offers a number of domestic flights that give you access to all parts of the country. Often, it’s best to take a local flight to save yourself long drives when you only have a short amount of time in Nepal. Given that mountain weather is often unpredictable, however, it’s best to add one or two buffer days before and after your trek to account for flight delays.

Kathmandu’s domestic terminal is next to the international terminal and can be quite busy during the spring and fall. It’s best to check in at least one hour in advance (1.5 hours in busy season). You can grab a coffee and snacks in the waiting lounge, but not much else.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (Caan) had moved to improve the facilities after endless complaints from travellers about the dilapidated domestic terminal. Passengers and airlines too have been complaining that they are not getting their money’s worth for the airport taxes they are paying.

The terminal building and the road and parking lot are spread over 6,300 square metres. The area of the building only is 2,200 square metres. The old terminal which was designed to handle 384 passengers per hour had been expanded and renovated in 1995.

The new airport building is a temporary facility and provides twice the facilities available at the old terminal, according to Caan officials.

The terminal has office space for 15 domestic airlines. The building has set aside 289 square metres for airline offices, 282 square metres for restaurants and 58 square metres for restrooms.

Domestic Airlines in Nepal

There are a number of domestic airlines in Nepal: Tara Airlines, Yeti Airlines, Buddha Air, Saurya Airlines, Shree Airlines, Simrik Airlines, Sita Air, and Summit Air.

Baggage Allowances

Baggage allowances vary depending on whether or not you’re flying into the mountains where weight is more of a factor. (Expert tip: Trekking poles (along with any sharp objects) must be stowed in your checked-in luggage.)
Route Check-in Carry-on
Mountain flights 10 kg. 5 kg.
All other flights 20-25 kg. 5 kg.

Flight Delays

It’s best to factor a couple hours of delay into any domestic flight in Nepal. Mountain weather is unpredictable and flights are often delayed for a variety of reasons, producing a backlog of passengers and often little communication from the airport or airlines as to the status of your flight. If scheduling an international flight around one of your domestic flights, it’s best to play it safe and give yourself a day’s buffer, if possible.