KATHMANDU, Jan 1: Weak road infrastructure and the arrival of foreign tourists have increased the number of air passengers in Nepal. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has reported a rise in the number of people traveling by air, both domestically and internationally, in 2024.
CAAN reported that 13.2 million people traveled by air in the 11 months of 2024, both internationally and domestically. From January to November, 4.45 million people traveled internationally, while 8.76 million traveled domestically.
CAAN's Director General Pradeep Adhikari stated that international air passenger numbers have increased by 7.09 percent, and domestic passengers have grown by about 13 percent compared to the past. Adhikari explained that international passengers have flown from Tribhuvan International Airport, Gautam Buddha International Airport, and Pokhara Regional International Airport. In the 11 months of 2023, international airports saw a total of 4.155 million international passengers arriving and departing.
Similarly, 7.7 million domestic air passengers traveled in the 11 months of 2023. Director General Adhikari shared this information during CAAN's 26th anniversary celebration.
Pokhara airport served 0.9 million passengers in 2022
Twenty-seven international airlines operate flights in Nepal. From Nepal, airlines regularly fly to 29 destinations in 16 countries. Similarly, 19 domestic airlines provide services. Of Nepal's 55 airports, 35 are connected to the domestic air service network.
As the number of air passengers increased, CAAN's revenue also grew. On the occasion of the anniversary celebration, Director General Adhikari reported that CAAN earned Rs 14.71 billion in the fiscal year 2023/24. CAAN generated Rs 11.52 billion from aeronautical services and Rs 3.19 billion from non-aeronautical services. Last year, CAAN invested Rs 10.53 billion, which included grants from the Government of Nepal for capital expenditures.
Last year, CAAN reported operating expenses of Rs 4.38 billion, depreciation expenses of Rs 4.34 billion, interest expenses of Rs 1.33 billion, and income tax expenses of Rs 1.28 billion. The authority spent a total of Rs 11.34 billion from its funds. As a result, CAAN's operating profit for the last fiscal year amounted to Rs 3.38 billion.
As air passenger numbers increase, the authority has prioritized the development of air infrastructure. CAAN is expanding the capacity of Tribhuvan International Airport by making the most of its limited area, in line with the approved master plan.
As part of the capacity expansion, workers are constructing a new apron area and taxiway on the northern side of the airport, which will accommodate up to 18 international aircraft. CAAN has established a passenger assistance desk at the departure area of Tribhuvan International Airport, offering services such as terminal gates, ticketing, flight-related information, and wheelchair assistance. Additionally, CAAN has made progress in building modern, well-equipped terminals at domestic airports.
CAAN works to meet basic needs through the air traffic network by establishing access to markets, services, and locations, and developing Nepal as an easy, simple, and reliable destination.
Amid criticism that the same body holds both regulatory and service provider roles, the government is preparing to split CAAN into two distinct entities: one for service provision and the other for regulation. Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Pandey, stated that after the government enacts the law to divide CAAN, Nepal's skies will become even safer and more reliable. "Once the new law is established, it will also address international concerns," Minister Pandey added.
