Fiscal Nepal
First Business News Portal in English from Nepal
KATHMANDU: Nepal’s main international gateway recorded nearly 3,000 international flights in January 2026, with India’s flag carrier Air India operating the highest number of services, followed by the state-owned Nepal Airlines, according to official airport data.
Statistics released by the airport office show that 29 international airlines operated a total of 2,949 flights through Tribhuvan International Airport during the month, carrying 431,635 passengers to and from Nepal.
Air India leads international operations
Air India conducted 372 flights in January, the highest among all carriers serving Nepal. Nepal Airlines ranked second with 300 flights, transporting 54,398 passengers.
Among other major operators, Himalaya Airlines operated 270 flights carrying 35,054 passengers, while Buddha Air ran 62 international services, transporting 2,834 passengers.
Overall passenger movement shows slightly higher inbound travel. Airlines carried 210,887 passengers outbound from Nepal, while 219,461 passengers arrived from various international destinations during the same period.
Strong domestic air traffic
Domestic aviation also recorded significant activity in January. According to the airport office, 20 airlines operated 6,809 domestic flights, carrying 318,548 passengers across the country.
Buddha Air dominated domestic operations, operating 3,161 flights and serving 175,615 passengers, making it the largest domestic carrier by both flight frequency and passenger numbers.
Aviation recovery signals steady travel demand
The January data indicates steady travel demand at Nepal’s only major international airport, with both inbound and outbound traffic remaining strong despite seasonal fluctuations in tourism.
Air traffic officials say sustained passenger growth, especially on regional routes, reflects stable international connectivity and ongoing recovery in Nepal’s aviation and tourism sectors.
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