Tribhuvan International Airport
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) sits approximately six kilometres east of central Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, at an elevation of around 1,338 metres above sea level. It is Nepal's only international airport and functions as the country's primary domestic hub, channelling nearly all of the nation's commercial air traffic through a single facility. The airport's position within the Kathmandu Valley, surrounded by the foothills of the Himalayas, makes it one of the more operationally demanding airports in Asia. Pilots and air traffic controllers must account for high-altitude conditions, rapidly shifting mountain weather, and terrain that leaves limited margin for error on approach and departure. Despite these challenges, Tribhuvan has operated continuously since the mid-twentieth century and remains the essential gateway for travellers arriving to trek, climb, conduct business, or undertake pilgrimage across Nepal.
Overview
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) sits approximately six kilometres east of central Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, at an elevation of around 1,338 metres above sea level. It is Nepal's only international airport and functions as the country's primary domestic hub, channelling nearly all of the nation's commercial air traffic through a single facility. The airport's position within the Kathmandu Valley, surrounded by the foothills of the Himalayas, makes it one of the more operationally demanding airports in Asia. Pilots and air traffic controllers must account for high-altitude conditions, rapidly shifting mountain weather, and terrain that leaves limited margin for error on approach and departure. Despite these challenges, Tribhuvan has operated continuously since the mid-twentieth century and remains the essential gateway for travellers arriving to trek, climb, conduct business, or undertake pilgrimage across Nepal.
Tribhuvan International Airport is most useful when its route network, ground transport and terminal setup match the trip you are taking. Before booking, compare the scheduled departure time with the airport location, connection window and any baggage or check-in requirements attached to your airline.
Airlines
Nepal Airlines, the national flag carrier, is based at Tribhuvan and operates both international and domestic services. Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines are the dominant carriers on domestic routes, connecting Kathmandu to regional airstrips across the country, including those serving mountain communities and trekking corridors. Internationally, Tribhuvan is served by a range of carriers from the Gulf region, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, with airlines such as Qatar Airways, Emirates, Air Arabia, Turkish Airlines, Air India, IndiGo, and others maintaining scheduled services. The airport's international network reflects Nepal's strong inbound tourism sector, particularly from trekkers bound for Everest Base Camp, the Annapurna Circuit, and other Himalayan routes, as well as Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims visiting sacred sites across the country.
For any airport, the operating airline matters as much as the marketing airline shown in a search result. Codeshares, partner flights and regional affiliates can affect check-in desks, terminal use, baggage handling and support if a flight is delayed or changed.
Terminals and Transfers
Tribhuvan operates two main terminal buildings: one dedicated to international arrivals and departures, and a separate facility handling domestic traffic. The two terminals are in relatively close proximity within the airport campus, though passengers transferring between international and domestic flights should allow adequate time, as the connection process involves separate check-in and security procedures. The airport does not currently operate a large-scale multi-terminal complex, and capacity constraints are a known feature of the facility. Passengers transiting through Kathmandu on connecting domestic legs should confirm transfer requirements with their carrier in advance, as procedures can vary.
Connections through KTM need more planning when flights are on separate tickets, when checked baggage is involved, or when the itinerary changes between domestic and international processing. Build a wider buffer if you need to collect bags, move between terminals or pass through security again.
Ground Transport and Trip Planning
Tribhuvan International Airport ground transport should be planned around your arrival time, luggage and final destination. Public transport can be efficient where available, while taxis, rideshare and private transfers may be easier for late arrivals, families or travellers with multiple bags.
If you are choosing between airports, compare KTM against nearby alternatives, total ground-transport cost and the reliability of the connection. A slightly higher fare can be worthwhile when it reduces transfer risk or shortens the total journey.
Practical guide
Using Tribhuvan International Airport without guesswork
Plan KTM around the terminal you use, the type of connection you are making and how predictable you need the trip into Kathmandu to be.
Confirm whether your flight uses a domestic, international or regional area at KTM. Airport layouts vary, and terminal assumptions are a common source of missed connections.
Tribhuvan operates two main terminal buildings: one dedicated to international arrivals and departures, and a separate facility handling domestic traffic. The two terminals are in relatively close proximity within the ai
Leave extra time when changing terminals, travelling with checked luggage, or arriving during busy morning, evening, holiday or event periods.
Before you leave for KTM
- 1Confirm the terminal and operating airline before leaving for KTM.
- 2Check baggage cut-off times if you are travelling with checked luggage.
- 3Leave extra time for international processing or terminal changes.
- 4Compare ground transport options against traffic and arrival time.
- 5Recheck the flight status before travelling to the airport.
Start here
Terminal and transfer notes
Confirm whether your flight uses a domestic, international or regional area at KTM. Airport layouts vary, and terminal assumptions are a common source of missed connections.
Tribhuvan operates two main terminal buildings: one dedicated to international arrivals and departures, and a separate facility handling domestic traffic. The two terminals are in relatively close proximity within the ai
Leave extra time when changing terminals, travelling with checked luggage, or arriving during busy morning, evening, holiday or event periods.
For Tribhuvan International Airport, the safest connection plan is based on the operating airline, the terminal shown on your booking and whether your baggage is checked through. If the itinerary uses separate tickets, choose a larger buffer.
Routes
Top routes from KTM
Use these route cards to scan popular destinations, estimated distance and flight time before checking live schedules and fares.
No routes tracked from KTM yet.
Official planning details
Transfers, fares, parking and passenger services at KTM
A source-linked planning layer for details that can change: terminal transfers, transport costs, parking, lounges and accessibility.
Terminal transfer links
TransfersTribhuvan International Airport transfer details can depend on airline, terminal, baggage handling and whether flights are booked on one ticket. Check the operating airline and airport website before relying on a tight connection at KTM.
Check airport transfer informationTransport fares and local access
FaresTransport costs to and from Kathmandu can vary by public transport, taxi, rideshare, private transfer, tolls and time of day. Confirm current fares before travelling, especially for late arrivals or peak periods.
Review transport informationParking and pre-booking
ParkingParking at Tribhuvan International Airport may vary by terminal, short-stay area, long-stay area and online booking rules. Compare official parking options with drop-off, pick-up and ground transport before choosing how to reach the airport.
Review airport parking optionsLounges and eligibility
LoungesLounge availability at KTM depends on airline, cabin, alliance status, membership or paid-entry rules. Check the operating airline before travel because access rules and opening hours can change.
Check lounge informationAccessibility and assistance
AccessPassengers needing mobility, sensory, medical or other assistance should confirm airport facilities and arrange airline assistance before travel. Airline-provided help is usually requested through the airline or booking channel.
Review accessibility informationTerminal and parking maps
MapsMaps are useful for finding check-in areas, arrivals paths, parking locations and ground transport pick-up points at Tribhuvan International Airport. Confirm the terminal before leaving for the airport.
Open airport mapBudget check
Useful cost notes
Prices can change, so use these notes to spot likely cost items before checking the official source.
Public transport, taxi, rideshare and private-transfer prices around KTM can change by time, distance, demand and local fees.
Parking prices often vary by car park, stay length and whether online pre-booking is available.
Seat selection, baggage, lounge access, tolls and late-night transport can change the real cost of a trip.
Nearby airports
Other airports in Nepal
Nearby airport options can help when comparing fares, connection times, ground transport and alternate arrival points in Nepal.
FAQ
Tribhuvan International Airport — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
9 common questions
- Tribhuvan International Airport is located in Kathmandu, Nepal (Asia), at coordinates 27.700°, 85.360°.
- Its IATA code is KTM and its ICAO code is VNKT.
- Tribhuvan International Airport serves Kathmandu, Nepal. When comparing fares, check whether other airports also serve the same area — prices and transfer times can differ between them.
- Tribhuvan International Airport operates on Asia/Kathmandu local time. Departure and arrival times on tickets are always shown in each airport's local time, so double-check the offset when planning connections or pick-ups.
- Tribhuvan International Airport sits at latitude 27.700° and longitude 85.360°. The map link in the details panel on this page opens the exact location for driving directions.
- Originfacts does not yet track scheduled routes from KTM. Use the flight search on this page to see live airline options for your travel dates.
- Route coverage for KTM is still being added to Originfacts. Run a search from KTM on the flight search page to see every destination airlines currently sell for your dates.
- Its address is Ring Rd, काठमाडौँ, मध्यमाञ्चल, 44600, Nepal, the phone number is +977 1-4113033, the official website is http://www.tiairport.com.np/. For flight-specific questions (delays, baggage, rebooking), contact the operating airline directly rather than the airport.
- Yes — Originfacts lists 9 other airports in Nepal. The nearby-airports section on this page links to each of them, which is useful when comparing fares or finding an alternative departure point.