Travel Blog

Nepal and Bhutan Flights from Worldwide

10 Mar 2024 Asia Experiences

Nepal has three International Airports but the most popular and in operation is Tribhuvan International Airport. Nepal Airlines and Himalaya Airlines are the only 2 flag carriers in Nepal that are in operation. Likewise, Paro International Airport is the only airport in Bhutan. Thus, Nepal and Bhutan flights are inadequate, and regular flights to Bhutan are limited to only 5 nations. Only 2 local carriers in Bhutan are in operation: Bhutan Airlines and Druk Air which provides regular flight services to Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Singapore, and Thailand. Travelers must take connecting flights if they are traveling via other nations besides above mentioned.

In the case of Nepal, there are direct flights from South Asia, Southeast Asian nations, and the Middle East. Travelers traveling from Europe, North and South America, and Australia and New Zealand must take connecting flights.

Flight Route Options to and from Bhutan

In Bhutan, the government policy does not allow other airlines as a carrier to and from Bhutan. It means only two local carriers Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines operate as carriers to Bhutan and from Bhutan to other nations. There are no connecting flight options to Bhutan (You need to pick up your luggage from the nearest airport where there is a direct flight available to Bhutan and check it in again for your flight to Bhutan).

There are only 5 nations that have direct flight routes to Bhutan. They are Nepal (Kathmandu), India (Delhi, Bagdogra, Gaya, Guwahati, and Kolkata), Thailand (Bangkok), Singapore, and Bangladesh (Dhaka). Among these 5 nations, Nepal (Kathmandu) is the best route as the distance is the shortest (only 505 km), and the flight cost is reasonable. Also, there is a daily flight schedule as compared to other nations. But, Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines are the only two carriers that operate its flight to and from the above-mentioned 5 nations.

Bhutan Airlines and Druk Air are two carriers in Bhutan whose flight schedule is tabulated below:

Druk Air

Note: The flight schedule is subject to change daily.

Bhutan Airlines

Note: The flight schedule is subject to change daily.

Basic Requirements for Booking a Tour to Bhutan

• Firstly, book with a registered tour operator in Bhutan and confirm it.
• A confirmation letter will be forwarded via the tour operator or travel agent once all your travel applications are verified.
• Collect necessary permits with the assistance of the registered tour operator.

Once a tour is booked in Bhutan via a registered agency, now you can easily book a flight ticket to Bhutan. Mostly, your tour operator like us (Asia Experiences) looks after it so you needn’t worry. Just submit the required documents to get the approval for a Bhutan Visa and other necessary permits on time.

Note: Bhutan Visas are issued only when you arrive at Bhutan, either at the Paro Airport or Samdrup Jongkhar or Phuentsholing, Gelephu (overland).

Flight Route Options to and from Nepal

Tribhuvan International is the busiest airport in Nepal. Tribhuvan International Airport connects to over 40 destinations in 17 countries through multiple scheduled daily and charter flights operated by 30 airlines.

Flight Route options from Nepal

Nepal’s aviation market is primarily served by two carriers, Nepal Airlines and Himalaya Airlines, operating out of Tribhuvan International Airport. However, the airport hosts over 35 airlines from various countries, offering daily services.

Nepal Airlines operates a minimum of five international flights daily from Kathmandu to destinations such as Delhi, Mumbai, Hong Kong, Bangalore, Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Dubai, etc.

A private Himalaya Airlines operates to 9 destinations: Bangladesh, China, Kuwait, Malaysia, Myanmar, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, and UAE.

Flight Route options to Nepal

There are limited direct flights to Nepal from South Asia and the Middle East while connecting flights are only options for travelers traveling from North and South America, Europe, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. There are more frequent connecting flights from China and India to Nepal than other nations.

Flight from South Asia, East Asia, and Southeast Asia

There are several direct flights from South Asia and Southeast Asia to Nepal. India, Bangladesh, China, Pakistan, Thailand, Japan, Cambodia, Singapore, Malaysia, and Korea are some major nations having direct flights. Air India, Biman Bangladesh, Druk Air, Srilankan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Malaysian Airlines, Thai Airways, etc. are some popular airlines operating direct flight services. Cathay Pacific offers direct flights from Hong Kong to Kathmandu.

Flight from the Middle East

Mainly the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar are the nations in the Middle East having direct flights to Nepal. Some popular airlines operating direct flights are Turkish Airlines, Air Arabia, Salam Air, Fly Dubai, Kuwait Airways, and Qatar Airways. Turkish Airlines operates weekly four direct flights between Istanbul and Kathmandu. Air Arabia offers daily direct flights from Sharjah to Kathmandu. There is a direct daily flight to Kathmandu from Qatar Airways and Fly Dubai.

Flying from North America

There are no direct flights to Nepal from North America. The connecting flight is the best option for travelers. It is best to fly via Guangzhou in China from the West Coast while it is faster to fly via Doha or Dubai from the East Coast. Qatar Airways (Qatar), Turkish Airlines (Turkey), Silk Air (Singapore), and Fly Dubai (Dubai) operate several daily flights to Nepal. Travelers can take connecting flights from these airlines if they are flying from North America to Nepal. The neighboring nations India and China have numerous daily flights to Nepal. Travelers can also opt to choose Indian or Chinese Airlines as their connecting flights. The airfare costs between USD 1,000-1,500.

Flying from Europe

There are no direct flights from Europe to Nepal but several connecting flights via Doha, Dubai, or Oman are there. Qatar Airways, Fly Dubai, and Salam Air can be used as connecting flights. Turkish Airlines has numerous direct flights to Europe. So, it can be the best option for travelers to take connecting flights to Turkish Airlines and via Istanbul directly fly to Nepal. The airfare costs between USD 600-1,000.

Flying from Africa

There are no direct flights from Africa to Nepal. The best option is to take direct flights to the Middle East (Saudi, Qatar, Dubai, Turkey) or India. Catch a connecting flight to Nepal via your preferred or suitable airlines (Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Fly Dubai, and Indian Airlines).

Flying from Australia and New Zealand

It is best to fly via Singapore, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur to Nepal for travelers flying from Australia and New Zealand. Silk Air, Thai Airways, and Malaysian Airlines can be used as connecting flights. The Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines costs are affordable during the low seasons. Alternatively, it is also a good idea to take connecting flights to Chinese and Indian Airlines as there are regular daily flights to Nepal.

International Airlines Operating in Nepal

Ticket Bookings, Nepal

Flight tickets in Nepal are in demand during the peak seasons March to May and September to November. Even during Christmas, it is difficult to get flight tickets. So, it is best to book tickets in advance to get flights. During the peak season, the ticket fares are high and calculated differently for each airline. The airfares are reasonable and some discounts might also be received during the off-season. Plan wisely and book the tickets to get the best airfare deals.