Domestic Flights in Nepal: Top Things to Know

Nepal is one of the favourite destination for tourists. While travelling and trekking in Nepal is also their best thing to do. But always travelling via road can be hectic and time-consuming sometimes.

So, for this reason, many travelers highly rely on domestic flights in Nepal. While most people use roadways to travel in Nepal, but access to the domestic flights have made the travel process so much easier.

Domestic Airports in Nepal

Nepal has a network of domestic airports across the whole country. These airports connect remote areas, and the large cities are very much part of Nepal’s transport infrastructure.  

At present, we have 53 domestic airports in Nepal. But out of those, only 33 are operational. The others are either under construction, in maintenance, or completely out of service.  

Some top Airports in terms of traffic are Lukla Airport, Pokhara Airport, Nepalgunj Airport, Biratnagar Airport, and Bharatpur Airport.

In terms of the primary hub, we have Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International, which is used for mostly international and domestic flights. From here, most flights go out to the mountain regions and key cities in Nepal.

These domestic airports are a key element in quickening and simplifying travel for those who have poor road access or who don’t have good road infrastructure. They play a large role in tourism and local trade.   

For example, Lukla Airport, which is used by trekkers going to the Everest region, and Jomsom Airport, which connects travelers to Annapurna and Mustang.

Is Domestic Flight Open in Nepal?  

Yes, domestic flights in Nepal are back to full operation. Following the temporary stoppage during the COVID-19 pandemic, all major airlines have returned to their regular schedules.   

From Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu), our main airport, we have daily flight services to large as well as remote mountain areas of the country.

Airports that see regular service from airlines like Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, Shree Airlines, Tara Air, and Summit Air include Pokhara, Lukla, Bharatpur, Biratnagar, Nepalgunj, and Bhairahawa.  

In Nepal, domestic flights play a very large role, especially in many mountain areas, where they are the primary means of transport. The government and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) are very much at the helm of monitoring flight operations for safety and smooth travel.

During poor weather reports, we see that flights to destinations like Lukla or Jomsom may have to be delayed or cancelled; at the same time, though, our domestic air travel is a full and available service all year round.  

How to Book Domestic Flights in Nepal?  

To book a domestic flight in Nepal, visit the airline’s official website. Another option is to visit the Airport itself and book from the officials.  

Esewa is one of the most widely used applications in Nepal for booking domestic flights.   

If you still want a hassle-free method to book your tickets, then you can contact Himalayan Masters.

Documents Required for Domestic Flights in Nepal  

Many people are curious about what documents are needed for domestic flights in Nepal. But there is nothing to worry about, like international flights.  

You will just need your citizenship if you have one. Otherwise, you can provide proof of your identity, such as an official ID card, a License, a Passport, or a National ID Card. If you are under 16, you must provide a Birth Certificate.

For foreigners, you will need to present your passport as proof. For the tickets, you can either take a printed one or a photo of the online form.

Nepal Domestic Flights Cost

In Nepal, the price of domestic flights varies according to the destination, distance, and airline.   

In the case of short routes that go from Kathmandu to Pokhara, we see prices between NPR 5,000 and NPR 8,000 for citizens. For foreign passengers, the price is a little higher than USD 100 to USD 130.

Flights to out-of-the-way mountain areas like Lukla, Jomsom, or Dolpa are at a higher price. From Kathmandu to Lukla, a one-way ticket for foreign passengers is for about USD 225 to more, and for Nepali passengers it is around NPR 9,000 to NPR 12,000.  

Airfares fluctuate with the season. In spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), which are trekking seasons, prices see a rise. Some airlines put out deals for off-peak times or group bookings.  

Domestic flight costs are higher than road travel, but in return, you get to save time and enjoy beautiful aerial perspectives of Nepal’s mountains, hills, and rivers. For many tourists and locals, it is the best and fastest way to see the country.

Domestic Airlines in Nepal Baggage Allowance

The baggage allowance of domestic flights in Nepal differs depending on the airline company you are flying with. Most airlines accept 15-20 kg of luggage and 5-7 kg of hand baggage.  

If you have some extra weight, then you can pay an extra charge for it. Well, the charges also differ from the location you are heading to.

Best Domestic Airlines in Nepal  

Nepal has many domestic airlines that serve different parts of the country. They operate regular flights to both major tourist destinations and remote mountain areas. Here are some of the best and most active domestic airlines in Nepal:  

• Buddha Air: Buddha Air is the largest and most reliable domestic airline in Nepal. We fly modern ATR 72 and ATR 42 aircraft to major destinations like Pokhara, Bharatpur, Biratnagar, and Lukla. Also known for our safety, punctuality, and excellent customer service.  
• Yeti Airlines: A leading player in the domestic market, which also extends its services to major cities and scenic mountain routes around Everest. Yeti is a favorite with both local and tourist passengers.  
• Tara Air: A sister company of Yeti Airlines, which operates in remote mountain destinations like Lukla, Jomsom, Dolpa, and Simikot. They mainly use small aircraft like Twin Otters, which run on short runways.  
• Summit Air: They fly to mountain airports like Lukla and Jomsom. It focuses on remote destinations and adventure tourism routes.   
• Shree Airlines: It operates both passenger and charter flights with Bombardier CRJ aircraft and helicopters. They are known for their modern fleet and reliable service on routes that include Pokhara, Surkhet, Bhairahawa, and Dhangadhi.
• Simrik Airlines: It runs both helicopter and fixed-wing services. They focus on mountains and remote areas.  
• Manang Air: This mainly provides charter flights, rescue services, and mountain tours.  
• Altitude Air: Also, a helicopter airline that does scenic flights, rescue ops, and private charters to mountain destinations.   

These airlines, which operate in Nepal, make travel there easier, including the Himalayas, Hills, and Terai, and they do it with regular and safe flights.

Nepal Airlines Domestic Flight Details

Nepal Airlines is the national carrier of Nepal, and it flies to many domestic destinations, which include large and remote areas.   

Out of its base at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, which is the main hub. It goes to locations all over the country, thus it is a very accessible and convenient option for travelers.  

Nepal Airlines flies to different cities like Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, Surkhet, and Biratnagar.

Domestic Flight Rules in Nepal

Dom at home in Nepal, you are subject to the rules that are put forth by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) and by the individual airlines.   

• At the time of your travel to the airport, come early, at least 1 hour before your flight.
• Also, bring along a valid ID, which, for instance, may be a passport, citizenship card, or a driver’s license in case you are a Nepali passenger. If you are a foreigner, bring your passport.  
• Only registered luggage is brought in. Most airlines allow you to check between 15 and 20 kg of your bag and 5 kg of hand luggage.   
• For extra baggage, you must pay at the counter. You will see that there is a very strict policy on what goes in carry-on; things like liquids, sharp objects, and flammable items are not allowed.  
• Passengers must follow what is put forth by the security at the airport, which includes hand luggage checks and passing through metal detectors.   
• Boarding starts 30 to 45 minutes before the flight departure time, and at that point, it is also at that time that passengers should be at their gates.  

Domestic Flights Infant Travel Rules  

In Nepal, airlines allow infants less than 2 years at the time of travel to sit usually on a parent’s lap.  

Parents must present a valid ID and the child’s birth certificate or passport for verification. Some airlines supply baby seats or bassinets upon request, which is subject to availability and should be confirmed prior to booking.

During takeoff, landing, and turbulence, infants must be in an adult’s lap belt. Also, we recommend that parents feed the baby or give a pacifier, which may help with ear pressure. 

Are Domestic Flights in Nepal Safe?

In Nepal, domestic flights are very safe. We have airlines that meet the standards put forth by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). The pilots are very trained and experienced, which includes mountain routes and short runways.  

However, we see that in some cases, the weather has a great impact on flight schedules in Nepal. Fog, heavy rain, and high winds, which are very common in mountain areas, cause delays and even cancel flights. At the same time, airlines put passenger safety first and will not take to the air until the weather improves.

Many domestic airlines are now operating updated technology and reliable aircraft, such as ATRs and Twin Otters.

Are Pets Allowed on Domestic Flights in Nepal?  

Yes, pets are allowed on Domestic flights in Nepal. But one must notify the airlines before directly taking your pets to the airport.

They charge some fees on a kg basis to carry pets in Domestic flights. The charges may differ with the airline.

So yes, if you want to carry your loved ones on the flight, you can for sure take them.

Are vapes allowed on domestic flights in Nepal?  

No. On domestic flights, vaping or the use of e-cigarettes is prohibited in Nepal. Vaping on board is considered like smoking, and it is strictly against the safety rules on the airline.     

Vapes can be accepted in hand luggage, but during the ride, they should not be used by the passengers.   

Most airlines also limit the use of huge amounts of vape liquids, particularly those containing nicotine, in carry-on bags. Before flying, make sure that the airline you have chosen does not have any special rules.

One is only allowed to use the vape in the smoking zone of the airport. Please follow the rules carefully.

Challenges of Nepal Domestic Flights

In Nepal, flying is safe for the most part, although there are some issues passengers should be aware of.  

• Weather-Related Delays: The greatest issue is that of unpredictable weather. Many reasons cause immediate delays or even cancel flights at mountain airports like Lukla, Jomsom, and Tumlingtar.
• Short Runway: In the mountains, we see that many domestic airports have runways that are short and narrow. This, in turn, makes takeoff and landing more of a challenge and at times restricts what types of aircraft will fly into those airports.  
• Limited Flights: Some remote areas only see a few flights a week. If you miss a flight, there may be a 24-hour or more wait for the next.  
• Air Traffic Congestion: During summer and fall, which see the heaviest tourist traffic to places like Pokhara and Lukla, flights tend to book up fast, which in turn causes issues with scheduling.  
• Sudden Cancellations: Even at the last minute before takeoff, flights may still be canceled because of weather or operational issues, which will in turn disrupt travel plans.  
• Extra Charges for Luggage: A very limited capacity in aircraft results in strict baggage policies. Extra baggage isn’t always included or may put you into a more expensive fare.  
• Health Concerns: At some high-altitude airports, flying may cause mild altitude sickness in passengers who are not acclimatized.  
• Infrastructure Limitations: At some airports, which are small, the facilities are basic; there is a minimal space in the waiting area and little to no food or medical services.  

Despite these challenges, domestic flights remain the fastest and most convenient way to reach remote areas in Nepal. Passengers are advised to plan, book early, and stay flexible to avoid inconveniences.