โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
35
minutes
Domestic โ International
65
minutes
Interline Connections
100
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Nepalgunj Airport (KEP) has recently transitioned into a modern aviation hub following the completion of its state-of-the-art terminal building in late 2025. This significantly expanded three-story facility, covering approximately 5,075 square meters, serves as the premier gateway to the Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces of Nepal. The airport is now designed to handle up to 1,600 passengers per hour during peak times, reflecting its growing importance as a domestic hub and its readiness for future international and cross-border operations to major Indian cities like New Delhi and Lucknow.
The terminal's layout is vertically organized to optimize passenger flow and commercial activity. The ground floor serves as the primary hub for passenger handling, featuring 14 modern check-in counters and a secure security screening zone equipped with advanced X-ray systems. A semi-basement level is dedicated to commercial purposes, housing 24 retail shops and service outlets that cater to both travelers and visitors. The first floor features expansive passenger lounges and three high-standard VIP rooms, all accessible via four escalators and three elevators, ensuring full accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility.
Amenities within the new Nepalgunj terminal provide world-class services while maintaining energy efficiency through a unique 'open-to-sky' dome that maximizes natural light. To combat the region's high seasonal heat, the facility is equipped with a specialized water curtain and misting system. Families benefit from a dedicated children's play area, and the terminal provides free high-speed Wi-Fi, modern prayer rooms, and a separate utility block for reliable power and water treatment. The expanded apron can now accommodate up to eight aircraft simultaneously, including three ATR-72 sized jets and five smaller turboprops used for remote mountain flights.
Ground transportation at KEP is well-coordinated with the local regional infrastructure, with the central Nepalgunj district just 6 kilometers away. Travelers can easily access the city via local taxi services, e-rickshaws, or pre-arranged hotel shuttles stationed outside the terminal exit. For those heading to the remote districts of Dolpa, Jumla, or Mugu, the airport acts as the primary staging point for both scheduled and charter 'pioneer' flights. The airport features 1,700 meters of upgraded runway with modern lighting for night flight capabilities. Travelers are generally advised to arrive at least 90 minutes before domestic flights to account for the increased passenger volume and modernized security procedures.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting at Nepalgunj Airport (KEP) is an increasingly efficient experience thanks to its newly modernized, integrated terminal. For most travelers, a 'connection' here involves transitioning from a domestic flight from Kathmandu (KTM) to a smaller 'pioneer' flight serving the remote mountain airstrips of the Karnali province. Since all facilities are housed in a single complex, moving from the arrival hall on the ground floor to the departure lounges on the first floor can be completed in under 15 minutes. However, it is advisable to allow at least 120 minutes for any onward connection to account for baggage retrieval and the frequent weather-related delays typical of mountain aviation. Ground transportation is a vital link for any traveler transiting through Nepalgunj. While taxis and e-rickshaws are readily available for short trips to town, it is highly recommended to pre-book a transfer if you are heading to the Indian border (Jamunaha) or the nearby Bardiya National Park. If you are staying in central Nepalgunj, most hotels provide a pick-up service from the designated arrivals exit. Digital information displays throughout the terminal provide real-time updates on flight statuses and gate assignments in both Nepali and English, making it easy to track your next leg while you wait in the comfortable airside commercial areas. Practical preparation for a KEP connection includes utilizing the airport's modern digital infrastructure. Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected and confirm onward trekking or lodge bookings. While there are multiple ATMs in the arrivals and commercial areas, they may not always accept all international cards, so having sufficient Nepalese Rupees (NPR) in cash for smaller transport fares and local dining is a wise precaution.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Bhojpur Airport (BHP) is a vital Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) airfield situated in the rugged hilly terrain of the Bhojpur District in eastern Nepal. Perched at an elevation of approximately 1,219 meters (4,000 feet), the airport features a single 540-meter asphalt concrete runway that provides a crucial aerial link for the local community, bypassing the lengthy and often difficult road journeys through the mountains. It is a key piece of infrastructure for the region, facilitating the movement of people and essential goods between this remote district and the nation's capital.
The airport's passenger facilities are currently housed in a modest, functional building, although plans for a more modern terminal were initiated with a significant government tender in 2023. The current structure provides a basic waiting area and a centralized check-in point where Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) and Tara Air manage their operations. Due to the airport's high-altitude and mountainous surroundings, flight schedules are primarily concentrated in the morning hours to take advantage of favorable wind and visibility conditions. Security is conducted manually with hand-held detectors, and the boarding process involves a short walk across the apron to the waiting aircraft.
Amenities at BHP are limited to the essentials required for regional travel, including free Wi-Fi and a small seating area for departing passengers. There are no on-site ATMs, restaurants, or refueling facilities, so travelers are advised to carry sufficient local currency and provisions for their journey. Local transport is predominantly served by jeep services that connect the airport to Bhojpur Bazaar and other nearby settlements. Despite its basic infrastructure, the airport remains a lifeline for the district, with Nepal Airlines recently doubling its service frequency to four flights per week to meet the growing demand for connectivity to Kathmandu.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Bhojpur Airport (BHP) in Nepal requires an approach centered on flexibility and patience, as this STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) facility is heavily influenced by the rugged Himalayan weather patterns. Most travelers arriving at BHP are either locals or trekkers connecting to and from Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu. Because the airport utilizes a short 540-meter runway and operates strictly under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), flight schedules are almost exclusively concentrated in the early morning hours when wind and visibility conditions are most favorable.
A critical tip for connecting through Bhojpur is to build at least one or two "buffer days" into your travel itinerary. Cancellations are frequent, especially during the monsoon season (June to September) or due to winter morning fog in the Kathmandu Valley. If your flight is cancelled, the alternative involves a grueling 12-to-16-hour road journey. Therefore, ensuring you have a flexible onward international ticket from Kathmandu is vital. Nepal Airlines is the primary carrier, and because their Twin Otter aircraft have limited seatingโtypically for just 16 to 19 passengersโbooking your "connection" several weeks in advance is highly recommended.
Travelers should also be mindful of strict baggage weight limits, usually restricted to 10kg for checked bags and 5kg for hand luggage, as small aircraft are extremely sensitive to weight in high-altitude environments. Within the Bhojpur terminal, amenities are minimal; ensure you have sufficient local currency and basic supplies like water before arrival. For those who cannot secure a direct flight, an alternative is to fly into Tumlingtar (TMI) and complete the final leg of the journey via local jeep services.
โ Back to Nepalgunj Airport