With the beginning of the major Hindu festival of Dashain, air travel across Nepal has seen a noticeable surge, particularly in international flights. Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), the country’s primary gateway, reported that while domestic flights remain relatively normal, passenger traffic on international routes has increased significantly. Travelers from Kathmandu are flocking to various destinations both within the country and abroad, reflecting the festive season rush.
According to Rinji Sherpa, a spokesperson for Tribhuvan International Airport, the number of passengers arriving from overseas has been steadily increasing since the start of Dashain. “Some foreign airlines have added extra flights to accommodate the rising demand, and several carriers are operating chartered flights,” Sherpa said. He added that international traffic is on an upward trend, whereas domestic flights are still operating at normal levels. However, he noted that domestic flights are expected to increase as the festival reaches its peak on Vijaya Dashami.
International and Domestic Flight Statistics
The airport reported that on Saturday, there were a total of 106 international flights, comprising 54 arrivals and 52 departures. These flights brought in 8,029 international passengers to Nepal. Domestic flights on the same day totaled 222, with 6,875 passengers departing from Kathmandu to other domestic destinations, and 4,065 arriving in the capital.
On Sunday, international flights accounted for 55 arrivals and departures, bringing 8,500 international passengers into the country and sending 6,800 abroad. Meanwhile, domestic flights saw a total of 229 operations, transporting 7,887 passengers out of Kathmandu and 5,505 travelers into the capital. These figures indicate that both domestic and international air traffic experiences a noticeable spike during the Dashain festival, highlighting the significance of the festival in influencing travel patterns.
Daily Operations and Airport Capacity
Tribhuvan International Airport manages over 300 flights daily during this period. Of these, more than 250 are domestic operations, while around 100 flights are international. The airport remains operational from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m., facilitating smooth operations for both domestic and international travelers.
The domestic sector is served by 21 airlines, including 12 helicopter operators, ensuring connectivity to remote areas and hill destinations. On the international front, 30 airlines, including three Nepali carriers, operate regularly, handling flights to key cities in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. These airlines have adjusted their schedules to accommodate increased traffic, particularly for passengers traveling to visit family and friends during the festival.
Festival Travel Trends
Dashain is the largest and most widely celebrated Hindu festival in Nepal, and it is traditionally a time when people travel to their hometowns to reunite with families. The festival also attracts Nepalis working abroad who return home during this period. The surge in international arrivals at Tribhuvan International Airport reflects the return of Nepali citizens from countries such as India, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Europe.
Domestic flights are particularly important for reaching remote districts in Nepal’s hilly and mountainous regions. Helicopter services complement the fixed-wing airlines, providing access to areas that are otherwise difficult to reach during the festival rush. Airport authorities emphasize that despite the increased demand, domestic operations remain smooth due to pre-planned scheduling and coordination with multiple airlines.
Safety Measures and Passenger Guidance
With the increase in passenger numbers, TIA has implemented additional measures to ensure passenger safety and convenience. Extra staff has been deployed at check-in counters, security checkpoints, and immigration areas to reduce waiting times. Travelers are advised to arrive at the airport well in advance, particularly for international flights, to avoid delays caused by the higher passenger volume.
Airline operators are also coordinating with airport authorities to ensure timely departures and arrivals. Charter flights have been arranged to accommodate passengers whose regular flights are fully booked. The airport management has urged passengers to follow safety protocols, including adhering to boarding times, observing luggage restrictions, and cooperating with airport staff to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Implications for the Aviation Sector
The Dashain festival surge provides an important revenue boost for Nepal’s aviation sector. The increase in both domestic and international travelers translates into higher ticket sales, airport fees, and ancillary services such as cargo, catering, and ground handling. Airlines also benefit from additional flights and charter services that generate incremental revenue.
Moreover, the festival period serves as a test for the efficiency of Nepal’s aviation infrastructure, including airports, air traffic control, and airline scheduling. The smooth handling of hundreds of daily flights reflects the growing capacity of the country’s aviation sector to manage seasonal peaks effectively.
Outlook for the Coming Days
As Dashain continues, airport authorities expect further growth in both domestic and international flights. The peak of the festival, Vijaya Dashami, is likely to see a significant increase in passenger numbers as people return home or travel back to Kathmandu. International airlines are anticipated to continue operating extra flights, and domestic airlines are likely to adjust their schedules to meet the growing demand.
TIA officials have confirmed that the airport’s operational readiness, combined with the coordination among multiple airlines, ensures that air travel during Dashain remains safe, efficient, and reliable. Travelers are encouraged to monitor airline schedules closely and plan their journeys in advance to avoid last-minute inconveniences.
The Dashain travel surge not only highlights the importance of the festival in Nepali society but also demonstrates the critical role of Tribhuvan International Airport in connecting the country domestically and internationally. The smooth functioning of flights during this period reflects the progress made in Nepal’s aviation sector in managing peak travel seasons efficiently.
