The story of Nepal’s aviation began in the 1940s when King Mahendra constructed the Gauchar Airport. In 1949, a four-seater Beechcraft Bonanza aircraft made its first flight in Nepali skies, a sight that had only been seen in blurry newspaper photos. This marked the beginning of Nepal’s aviation journey.
In 1950, Himalayan Aviation’s Dakota aircraft conducted the first-ever charter flight from Gauchar to Kolkata, India. Just five years later, King Mahendra renamed the airport Tribhuvan Airport, in honor of his father, King Tribhuvan. In 1957, the airport saw the construction of a concrete runway, and the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) was formed. That same year, Royal Nepal Airlines (RNAC) began scheduled flights, both domestically and internationally. By 1960, Nepal officially became a member of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), signaling its formal entry into the global aviation community.
The Expansion and Modernization Era: 1964-1990
In 1964, the airport was upgraded to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), reflecting its status as a key hub for international flights. Between 1967 and 1975, the runway was progressively extended from 3,750 feet to 10,000 feet, accommodating larger aircraft, including the Boeing 707 by Lufthansa.
By 1972, Nepal had its first jet aircraft, the Boeing 727/100, and Nepalese personnel took over Air Traffic Control (ATC) services from Indian technicians. Key aviation infrastructure such as the Civil Aviation Training Center (CATC) and Flight Information Center (FIC) were also established. The 1980s saw the completion of the international terminal building in 1989, with the terminal officially inaugurated by King Birendra in 1990.
Aviation Growth and Liberalization: 1992-2010
The 1990s marked a pivotal shift with the liberalization of Nepal’s aviation sector. In 1992, the government allowed private sector participation in domestic air transport, enabling the rise of private airlines. A national civil aviation policy was introduced in 1993, followed by significant infrastructure upgrades, including the expansion of the domestic terminal building and apron at TIA in 1995.
In 1997, Buddha Air made its inaugural flight, opening a new chapter in Nepali aviation. The airline’s first flight took passengers on a mountain flight to Mt. Everest, marking the dawn of private domestic airlines. Today, Buddha Air operates a fleet of 17 modern aircraft, servicing at least 15 destinations, both domestic and international, and completing over 100 flights daily. In total, Buddha Air has transported over 13.6 million passengers in the past 25 years.
During this time, Nepal’s aviation infrastructure continued to grow. The establishment of the COSCAP-SA project in 1998, the expansion of the international terminal in 2002, and the operation of new regional airports such as Rara, Kangeldanda, and Thamkharka in 2003 all contributed to the sector’s growth. By 2006, the government introduced a comprehensive aviation policy, and private airlines began operating international flights from Nepal.
Aviation Milestones and Infrastructure Development: 2011-Present
The 2010s ushered in major advancements in aviation infrastructure and technology. The Tumlingtar and Simikot airports were paved in 2011, and by 2012, the implementation of RNP AR procedures at TIA enhanced navigation safety. In 2013, the installation of new CNS & ATM equipment at TIA improved air traffic management.
In 2014, Monopulse Secondary Surveillance Radar (MSSR) systems were installed to improve tracking of aircraft. 2015 saw the laying of the foundation stone for Gautam Buddha International Airport, with a new domestic terminal building at TIA constructed as part of ongoing modernization efforts. In 2016, the groundwork for Pokhara Regional/International Airport was also laid, extending Nepal’s international aviation network.
Looking back, Nepal’s aviation sector has undergone significant transformation in just 70 years. The journey has been marked by continuous development, expansion, and a commitment to overcoming the challenges posed by the country’s mountainous terrain. The pilots who navigate these skies hold a special place in the world of aviation, as flying in Nepal’s airspace continues to be both a challenge and a privilege. The future remains bright, with ongoing plans to improve infrastructure and expand flight routes, ensuring the continued growth of Nepal’s aviation industry.