Kathmandu: Nearly half of Nepal’s registered aircraft are based outside the capital, operating from regional airports across the country, according to data from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN).
Out of 90 airplanes and helicopters currently in service with Nepali airlines companies, 49 are stationed outside Kathmandu. Airlines declare their base airports — inside or outside the capital — when applying for operating and flight permits.
The fleet includes 11 helicopters and nine fixed-wing aircraft companies, with most planes conducting overnight parking at regional airports rather than Tribhuvan International Airport.
In 2022, CAAN decided to move certain operational bases outside Kathmandu — a move challenged by Simrik Air in the Supreme Court. However, the court dismissed Simrik’s petition in July 2025, siding with the regulator and affirming that airlines must operate from their designated base airports as approved in their permits.
Buddha Air, Nepal’s largest domestic carrier by fleet size, operates 16 aircraft, of which 10 are based outside Kathmandu. The airline runs early-morning flights from regional hubs such as Bhairahawa and Biratnagar to Pokhara.
Shree Airlines has eight aircraft, with only two based in Kathmandu. Yeti Airlines has five planes, including two based in the capital. Guna Airlines, with seven aircraft, has two based in Kathmandu, but has suspended operations for an extended period despite having a sizable fleet.
Other carriers have smaller bases in Kathmandu. Saurya Air operates one aircraft but has been grounded since a crash last year. Nepal Airlines has two domestic planes, with one based outside the capital. Tara Air, Summit Air, and Sita Air each have only one aircraft based in Kathmandu.
Overall, Nepal’s active and grounded fleet includes 38 helicopters and 52 fixed-wing aircraft. Helicopter operators such as Kailash, Altitude, and Heli Everest maintain part of their fleet in Kathmandu, while others — including Prabhu Helicopter, Fishtail, and Mustang Helicopter — keep the majority of their machines outside the capital.
According to CAAN, all aircraft are required to operate from their approved base airports, and current operations are in compliance with these rules. The distribution of aircraft across regional hubs is aimed at improving service reach and reducing congestion at Kathmandu’s main airport.
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