As of November 2024, a total of 4,449,133 passengers traveled internationally through Nepal’s three major international airports, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). In the past fiscal year, the authority achieved a profit of NPR 3.37 billion from its operations.
On Tuesday, during CAAN’s 26th anniversary celebration in Kathmandu, the Director General, Engineer Pradeep Adhikari, presented these statistics, noting that the authority generated total revenue of NPR 14.71 billion during the last fiscal year.
Adhikari provided an update on the annual progress, stating that by November 2024, the number of international travelers passing through Tribhuvan International Airport, Gautam Buddha International Airport, and Pokhara International Airport had reached 4,449,133. This is an increase of 7.09% compared to the same period in 2023, when the total number of international passengers was 4,154,393.
Regarding domestic flights, Adhikari shared that by November 2024, 8,760,302 passengers traveled on domestic routes, marking a 13% increase compared to the same period in 2023, when the number stood at 7,700,000.
In terms of international airlines operating in Nepal, the number decreased from 29 in 2023 to 28 in 2024, following the merger of Vistara Airlines and Air India. Currently, regular flights are operating to 29 international destinations across 16 countries from Nepal. In the domestic sector, 21 airlines have been granted operating permits, with 19 airlines actively operating.
The aviation network connects 35 out of 55 airports in the country for domestic flights. In 2024, regular helicopter charter and rescue flights (excluding restricted areas) totaled around 4,500, with an additional 1,120 flights for rescue, sealing, and passenger charter in restricted areas.
In terms of revenue, CAAN’s income in fiscal year 080/81 (2023) was NPR 14.71 billion, with NPR 11.51 billion from aeronautical activities and NPR 3.19 billion from non-aeronautical sources. The government and other sources invested NPR 10.53 billion in capital projects.
The operating expenses for CAAN included NPR 4.38 billion for operational costs, NPR 4.34 billion for depreciation, NPR 1.33 billion for interest, and NPR 1.28 billion for tax expenses, totaling NPR 11.34 billion in expenditures.
Director General Adhikari also highlighted ongoing expansion plans at Tribhuvan International Airport. As per the approved master plan, the airport is focusing on maximizing its limited land area to increase capacity. An expansion project is underway to add up to 18 international aircraft parking spaces and a taxiway on the northern side of the airport.