Nepal’s national flag carrier, Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC), has issued a new directive requiring all international passengers to arrive at the airport four hours prior to their scheduled departure time. The announcement, made through a public notice on Wednesday, takes immediate effect and is aimed at improving flight punctuality and easing airport congestion during peak hours.
New Rule to Ensure Timely Departures
According to NAC, the decision was made to streamline check-in procedures and reduce flight delays, which have been a recurring challenge for international operations. The airline stated that the additional time will allow passengers to complete all pre-departure processes, including security checks, immigration clearance, and baggage handling, without last-minute rushes.
“The NAC sincerely requests all passengers traveling to various international destinations to reach the airport for check-in four hours before their scheduled flight time and assist in ensuring timely operations,” the notice read.
The directive also includes a strict cut-off time for check-in. The airline emphasized that check-in counters will close exactly one hour before the scheduled departure, and no passengers arriving after that will be allowed to check in.
Operational Efficiency and Passenger Safety
This new rule comes as part of NAC’s broader initiative to enhance operational efficiency and improve the travel experience for its international passengers. With an increasing number of travelers passing through Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, the corporation said the measure is necessary to manage rising passenger volumes and complex pre-boarding requirements.
Previously, standard guidelines recommended that passengers arrive two to three hours before international departures. The addition of an extra hour highlights NAC’s efforts to tackle ground handling delays, intensified security screenings, and immigration formalities, which have been causing bottlenecks during departure times.
A senior NAC official noted that the decision was also influenced by recent operational assessments showing that delayed arrivals of passengers at check-in counters had contributed to missed flights and take-off delays, particularly on busy international routes.
Passengers Urged to Plan Ahead
NAC has urged passengers with upcoming international flights to carefully plan their travel to the airport, especially considering traffic congestion in the Kathmandu Valley. Travelers are advised to factor in possible delays while commuting to Tribhuvan International Airport, ensuring they have adequate time for all necessary check-in and security procedures.
Airport authorities have also been informed of the new timing policy to coordinate ground services efficiently. The airline expects that this adjustment will minimize flight delays, improve on-time performance, and enhance coordination between passengers, airline staff, and airport officials.
Background and Passenger Feedback
Nepal Airlines operates several major international routes connecting Kathmandu to destinations such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Doha, and Narita. Given the rise in passenger traffic, NAC has faced challenges in maintaining punctuality amid long security lines, baggage clearance delays, and aircraft turnaround times.
While some travelers have welcomed the rule as a step toward better time management and smoother travel, others have expressed concerns about the extended waiting time at the airport, particularly during night flights. However, NAC officials reassured that passenger comfort facilities within the international terminal have been improved to accommodate the longer pre-flight duration.
