โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Rajbiraj Airport operates as a vital regional aviation gateway serving Saptari District in Nepal's Madhesh Province, positioned 5 kilometers south of central Rajbiraj at Bisangapur Municipality at 250 feet elevation, representing a remarkable success story of infrastructure resurrection following its historic reopening on May 23, 2018, after eleven years of complete shutdown. Originally inaugurated in 1959 by transportation minister Ganesh Man Singh, this facility underwent comprehensive modernization with Rs 303 million government investment through the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), transforming from an abandoned airstrip into a functional regional airport connecting the lowland Terai region to Nepal's national aviation network.
The airport features a completely rebuilt asphalt runway 11/29 measuring 1,500 meters long by 30 meters wide with modern blacktop surface, complemented by essential infrastructure including a 90-meter by 60-meter apron and 110-meter by 20-meter taxiway, all designed to accommodate 50-seat regional aircraft including the CRJ-200 operated by Shree Airlines connecting Rajbiraj to Kathmandu. Basic terminal facilities provide essential passenger processing for the limited but strategically important domestic service that resumed on June 24, 2018, following successful test flights and infrastructure certification by aviation safety officials.
Operational characteristics reflect the airport's specialized role serving the unique geography and tourism potential of the Koshi River region, facilitating access for visitors to the renowned Koshi Barrage engineering marvel, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve with its diverse bird and wildlife populations, and providing convenient transit access to nearby Indian border towns. The facility's location in the subtropical Terai lowlands creates seasonal operational considerations including monsoon weather patterns and regional flooding that historically challenged aviation operations before the modern infrastructure upgrades.
Strategic importance encompasses the airport's function bridging Nepal's isolated Madhesh Province communities with national transportation networks while supporting conservation tourism and cross-border commerce in the sensitive Koshi River delta region. Ground transportation provides efficient access to Rajbiraj's commercial center and the internationally significant Koshi Tappu ecosystem, while the airport serves as a symbol of governmental commitment to maintaining aviation connectivity for Nepal's diverse regional communities, demonstrating how sustained investment and technical expertise can successfully revive abandoned infrastructure to serve contemporary transportation needs in challenging geographical environments.
๐ Connection Tips
Shah Makhdum Airport (RJB) is the primary aviation gateway for Rajshahi, a major city in northwestern Bangladesh known as the 'Silk City' for its historic textile industry. Arriving at least 2 hours before your domestic flight with Biman Bangladesh or US-Bangla Airlines is recommended. For those with a few hours to spare, the Varendra Research Museum and the banks of the Padma River are highly recommended.
Located just 10 kilometers north of the city center, it serves as a critical link for business travelers, academics from the University of Rajshahi, and tourists visiting the mango-growing regions of the Varendra tract. Ground transportation to Rajshahi city center is best handled by local taxis or the popular battery-operated rickshaws, reaching the urban core in approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Always confirm your flight details multiple times, as scheduling can be fluid and is highly dependent on weather conditions and aircraft availability in this regional aviation environment.
The terminal is functional and relatively basic, providing essential amenities such as a small waiting area, a snack bar serving local refreshments, and administrative support; you will not find large-scale duty-free shopping or extensive food courts on-site. The climate in northwestern Bangladesh is characterized by intense summer heat and a heavy monsoon season from June to October, during which sudden downpours can cause localized flight delays.
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 Rajbiraj Airport