In a remarkable milestone, Tribhuvan International Airport has emerged as a bustling hub, experiencing a surge in air traffic and unprecedented activity in both domestic and international flights. The airport's strategic efforts have resulted in consistent annual growth, welcoming a rising number of air travelers.
Amidst the flourishing flight operations, the airport has witnessed a remarkable increase in revenue. The fiscal year 2079/80 marked a significant milestone with a reported revenue collection of Rs. 11 Arba 38 crore. The ambitious target for the ongoing year is set at Rs. 13 Arba, and the airport has already achieved an impressive Rs. 6 Arba 76 crore.
Pratap Babu Tiwari, the general manager of the airport, shared insights into the thriving state of affairs. Operating at full capacity, the airport has seen a notable uptick in international air passengers. Tiwari attributed the growing revenue to comprehensive efforts aimed at enhancing overall airport infrastructure. Various revenue streams, including passenger service charges, room and shutter fees, ship landings, and bus fares, contribute to the financial success.
Despite facing a revenue decline to Rs. 2 Arba 46 crore in 2077/78, attributed to the impact of COVID-19, Tribhuvan International Airport has made a resilient comeback, returning to full operational capacity.
The momentum is reflected in the escalating volume of air passengers. In 2023, a staggering 86,91,443 passengers traveled by air, domestically and internationally, marking a noteworthy 9.2% increase from the previous year. International flights saw a remarkable surge of 30.18%, with 45,41,137 individuals opting for international travel. The count of domestic air travelers reached an impressive 41,50,326.
Comparing pre-Covid figures, the airport served 71,90,912 passengers in 2018 and 73,27,031 passengers in 2019, currently reported to be 4.5% higher than the pre-Covid year of 2018.
Tribhuvan International Airport is currently a hub for nine airlines and 12 helicopter companies. In total, 30 airlines, including three Nepalese carriers, serve 31 destinations across 16 countries.
Notably, Nepal has expanded its global reach with bilateral air service agreements now established with 42 countries, the latest being a significant agreement with Switzerland signed on the 23rd of Magh. The airport's unprecedented growth signifies its crucial role in connecting Nepal to the world.
