Tribhuvan Airport is an international airport located in the Kathmandu valley. Located approximately 6 km from the city center, the airport is Nepal’s only international aerodrome. The port connects Nepal to more than 40 destinations in 17 countries. The airport is the hub for multiple local carriers, as well as Nepal Airlines and Himalaya Airlines.
The airport is considered a starting point for Mount Everest international tourists, with several daily flights to Lukla. Some private jet charter services offer Everest sightseeing flights from Kathmandu.
Nepal Kathmandu private jet charter prices
Although Nepal Kathmandu air charter fees depend on variables such as the number of passengers, departure airport, flight time, aircraft position, flight date, the prices for private jet charter from Istanbul → Tribhuvan are as follows.
| Heavy Jet | 70.900 EUR |
| Long Range Jet | 95.000 EUR |
| VIP Airliner | 178.100 EUR |
These prices are average amounts and you can contact us on our flight reservation screen or by phone for the most accurate price information.
History of Tribhuvan Airport
The official debut of aviation in Nepal took place in 1949 with the landing of a Beechcraft Bonanza carrying the Indian ambassador. The first charter flight took place on February 20, 1950, between Gauchaur and Kolkata in the Dakota by Himalayan Aviation. In 1952, the first scheduled domestic flights began to Bhairahawa, Biratnagar, Pokhara and Simara.
In 1957, the original 1.100 m grass runway was re-paved in concrete. In 1964, the old runway was decommissioned for the newly built 2.000 meter runway. The new runway was extended from 2.000 meters to 3.000 meters in 1975, with the joint effort of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and OPEC. The runway was last reinforced in 1981.
In 1967, the first private jet landed at Tribhuvan International Airport, and in 1972, Nepal flag carrier Royal Nepal Airlines started jet operations from the airport with Boeing 727.
In 1985, the runway and terminal building renovation works were started. The construction of the Airline Operations and Control Tower building was completed in 1987 while the renovation works were ongoing. Construction of the terminal building was completed in 1989, and on February 18, 1990, the newly built TIA complex was officially opened by King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah. Domestic terminal expansion works were started in 1995 and the works were completed in 1997, one year earlier than planned.
In May 2007, Austrian Airlines stopped its flight to Vienna, Nepal’s last direct air connection to Europe. In September 2013, Turkish Airlines reconnected Nepal with Europe by launching direct flights from Istanbul to Kathmandu.
In 2020, the runway was extended to 3.350 meters, the departures hall was expanded to accommodate 1.500 more passengers, and the arrivals hall was expanded. In 2022, the airport expanded its domestic terminal and the new section of the building was put into service by Buddha Air.
Places to visit in in Kathmandu, the city of temples
Known as the city of temples, Kathmandu has dozens of temples on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The most prominent of these temples is Pashupatinath, the Cremation Temple. Some of the important temples that can be visited are; Boudhanath, considered one of the largest stupas in the world, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) where 800 monkeys live, Pashupati Nath Temple on the Bagmati river and Jagannath Temple (Hippie Temple).
Other places to visit in the city include Durbar Square with palaces and temples, Asan – Indra Market where local products are sold, Langtang National Park, which is an untouched region with its natural beauties, Nepal National Museum reflecting the history of Nepal, and the Garden of Dreams, which draws attention with its impressive landscape.
How to get from Tribhuvan Airport to the city center?
There are three alternatives to reach the city center from Tribhuvan International Airport; Taxi, Shuttle Service and Car rental. The taxis available from the taxi stops in front of the airport arrivals terminal do not have meters and negotiation is necessary.
The departure and arrival times of Shuttle services, which is another transportation method available, to the city center may vary. Shuttle services, which reach the center in 15 minutes on a normal day, can reach the center in periods exceeding 1 hour on heavy traffic days.
Although there are car rental offices of different companies available in the port, it is necessary to make a reservation before the flight.
