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
Bharatpur Airport (BHR) is one of the busiest domestic aviation hubs in Nepal, serving as the primary gateway to the Chitwan District and the world-renowned Chitwan National Park. Located in the heart of the Terai region, the airport features a 1,158-meter asphalt runway that accommodates frequent short-haul flights from Kathmandu and Pokhara. It is a vital piece of infrastructure for both the local business community in Bharatpurโthe country's fourth-largest cityโand the thousands of international tourists who arrive annually to embark on wildlife safaris to see the region's famous one-horned rhinoceroses and Bengal tigers.
The airport is currently undergoing a significant modernization phase, with the foundation stone for a new, state-of-the-art terminal building laid in 2023. This project aims to replace the existing modest structure with a more spacious facility equipped with modern check-in counters, expanded waiting lounges, and improved passenger flow to handle the increasing volume of air traffic. While the new terminal is under construction, the current facility provides essential services including centralized check-in and basic security screening. Boarding is typically conducted via a short walk across the apron to the aircraft, often a Beechcraft 1900 or ATR-42 regional liner.
Amenities within the current terminal are functional and include free Wi-Fi and baggage trolleys for passenger convenience. While there are no on-site ATMs, currency exchange, or duty-free shops, a small snack bar offers refreshments and local items. Travelers are advised that full-service banking and extensive dining options are available in the nearby Bharatpur city center, just a few minutes' drive from the terminal. Ground transportation is readily accessible, with taxis and pre-arranged hotel shuttles frequently waiting outside the arrivals exit to transport guests to the various jungle lodges in Sauraha and other parts of the Chitwan region.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Bharatpur Airport (BHR) is a central part of any journey to Nepal's Terai region, specifically for those heading to the jungle lodges of Sauraha and Chitwan National Park. As of 2026, the airport is in the midst of a significant modernization project, including the construction of a large, state-of-the-art terminal and a runway extension. Most travelers arrive here on short, 25-minute domestic flights from Kathmandu (KTM) or Pokhara (PKR) operated by Buddha Air or Yeti Airlines. A useful tip for those flying from Kathmandu: try to sit on the right side of the aircraft for breathtaking views of the Manaslu and Ganesh Himal mountain ranges.
Because BHR currently operates under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and lacks night landing facilities, it is essential to plan your connections for the morning or early afternoon. Flights are frequently delayed or cancelled during the winter due to morning fog or during the monsoon season (June to September) due to heavy rain and low visibility. If you have an international flight departing from Kathmandu, it is highly recommended to return to the capital at least one day in advance to avoid missing your connection. Within the terminal, be prepared for manual security screenings and a functional but basic environment.
Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals area for the 30-to-45-minute drive to Sauraha. Always keep your boarding pass accessible until you exit the terminal, as you will likely need to present it to claim your checked baggage. With the ongoing expansion, the airport will soon accommodate larger ATR-72 aircraft and night flights, which is expected to improve schedule reliability significantly.
โ Back to Rajbiraj Airport