Tribhuvan International Airport

Tribhuvan International Airport is Nepal's only international airport, located in Kathmandu, serving as the primary gateway for international air travel and also handling domestic flights. It provides passenger services, aircraft handling, cargo operations, and supports immigration, customs, and security functions. The airport facilitates connections to various destinations across Asia, the Middle East, and beyond, enabling tourism, trade, and humanitarian aid. Its infrastructure includes a single runway, terminal buildings, apron, and associated ground support equipment. The airport operates under the regulatory oversight of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. It accommodates both scheduled and charter flights from numerous international airlines, as well as domestic carriers linking Kathmandu with regional airports across the country. Ground handling agencies at the airport offer services such as aircraft refueling, catering, baggage handling, and routine maintenance to ensure safe and efficient turnarounds. The facility functions year‑round, supporting both passenger and cargo flights that contribute to Nepal’s economic and social connectivity.

As the sole international gateway, TIA holds a unique strategic position in Nepal's aviation sector, being critical for the country's tourism industry and international connectivity. It also serves as a hub for cargo movements, supporting trade and relief operations, including the transport of medical supplies and emergency aid during natural disasters. The airport's role in immigration and border control was highlighted during the January 2023 DDoS attack, which disrupted visa verification, passport scanning, and Interpol database checks, underscoring its reliance on integrated government IT systems. The incident demonstrated both the airport's operational importance and the vulnerabilities of its supporting digital infrastructure. In the aftermath, the National Information Technology Centre isolated affected servers from foreign access and emphasized the need for strengthened cyber‑resilience measures across government networks. Structurally, Tribhuvan International Airport is owned by the Government of Nepal and managed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, a state agency responsible for civil aviation regulation and airport operation. This arrangement places the airport under direct governmental oversight, aligning its infrastructure development and safety standards with national aviation policy. Consequently, TIA functions not only as a transportation node but also as a key component of Nepal’s broader public infrastructure and disaster response framework.