Tribhuvan International Airport recorded 6,539,127 passenger movements between January and September 2026, highlighting the scale of domestic and international air travel in Nepal. According to the Tribhuvan International Airport’s published statistics, international flights accounted for 3,688,334 passenger movements, while domestic flights recorded 2,850,793 during the nine-month period.
The figures provide an overview of travel activity through Nepal’s main international airport during the first three quarters of the year. Passenger movements varied across the months, with September recording increased activity in both domestic and international travel as the major festival and autumn travel season began.
International Flights Record 3.69 Million Passenger Movements via Tribhuvan International Airport
International flights in Tribhuvan International Airport accounted for 3,688,334 passenger movements from January to September 2026. Of this total, 1,878,192 passengers departed from Kathmandu, while 1,810,142 arrived in the capital. Departures exceeded arrivals by 68,050 passenger movements over the period, reflecting the overall balance of international travel through the airport.
May recorded the highest number of international departures, with 237,349 passengers leaving Nepal. February registered the highest number of international arrivals, with 225,348 passengers entering the country. These monthly variations illustrate changing travel patterns throughout the year, although the figures alone do not establish the reasons behind each trend.
Domestic Air Travel Reaches 2.85 Million Passenger Movements
Domestic flights recorded 2,850,793 passenger movements during the first nine months of 2026. A total of 1,432,430 passengers departed from Kathmandu for destinations across Nepal, while 1,418,363 arrived in the capital. The figures underline the importance of domestic air services in connecting Kathmandu with other cities and destinations across the country.
Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines and Shree Airlines are among the major carriers serving Nepal’s domestic aviation market. The reported data identifies Buddha Air as the airline with the largest domestic market share, followed by Yeti Airlines and Shree Airlines. Their services support travel for business, personal visits and tourism, while providing air connections between the capital and destinations throughout Nepal.
September Records Increased Domestic and International Travel
International passenger movements reached 412,814 in September, comprising 213,593 arrivals and 199,221 departures. It was the only month in the nine-month period when international arrivals exceeded departures. The reported increase was associated with Nepalis returning from overseas employment for the Dashain festival.
Domestic travel also recorded its highest monthly total during the period in September, reaching 383,019 passenger movements. Of these, 194,843 passengers departed from Kathmandu, while 188,176 arrived in the capital. The figures coincided with the beginning of the major festival and autumn travel season, when domestic journeys and tourism related travel become particularly relevant.
Aviation Statistics Highlight Nepal’s Travel Connectivity
The combined domestic and international figures underline Tribhuvan International Airport’s role as a major gateway for air travel to and within Nepal. International services connect the country with overseas destinations, while domestic flights provide access to cities and other destinations across the country. These connections are important for visitors, business travellers and residents who depend on air transport.
However, passenger movements at Tribhuvan International Airport should not be interpreted as the number of tourists visiting Nepal. The totals include arriving and departing passengers, domestic journeys, and repeat travel by the same individuals. The January to September 2026 figures therefore offer a useful overview of airport activity and travel patterns rather than a direct count of tourist arrivals.
