International Air Passenger Arrivals Reach Record High at Tribhuvan International Airport

KATHMANDU, Jan 22:In a remarkable turn of events, Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal's premier aviation hub, has reported an unprecedented surge in air passenger arrivals for the year 2023, setting a new record and defying expectations for the post-pandemic recovery.

 

Record-Breaking Figures. According to official statistics released by the airport, a staggering 8,691,443 passengers traveled by air in 2023, encompassing both domestic and international journeys. This marks a notable 9.2 percent increase from the previous year's figure of 7,954,495 passengers in 2022.

 

Before the onset of the global pandemic, the airport had experienced a steady increase in air travel. In 2018, 71,90,912 passengers took to the skies, followed by 73,27,031 passengers in 2019. The airport's General Manager, Pratap Babu Tiwari, emphasized that the 2023 figure of 45,41,137 international passengers is an outstanding 30.18 percent surge from the previous year and a significant 4.5 percent higher than the pre-COVID year of 2018.

 

Mr. Tiwari proudly declared that the arrival of international air passengers at Tribhuvan International Airport has reached an all-time high. The total passenger arrival, both domestic and international, has seen a remarkable 18 percent increase compared to the previous year and an impressive 9.2 percent growth compared to 2022.

 

The data also revealed that the number of international flight landings in 2023 increased by 31,460, representing a substantial 29.40 percent growth compared to the previous year. However, it's worth noting that this figure is 10.76 percent lower than the pre-COVID numbers recorded in 2018. Cargo movement during the same period amounted to 22,946 tons, reflecting a decrease of 13.98 percent compared to the preceding year.

 

While international air travel experienced a surge, domestic air travel in Nepal witnessed a slight dip in 2023. The number of domestic air travelers reached 41,50,326, showing a 7.07 percent decrease from the previous year. Additionally, domestic flights recorded a 10.87 percent decline, with 96,989 flights during the same period.

 

Contrary to the decline in domestic air travel, inland cargo arrivals increased by 10.36 percent, reaching an impressive 3,426,861 tons compared to the previous year. Currently, Tribhuvan International Airport hosts nine airlines and twelve helicopter companies for domestic operations. On the international front, 30 airlines, including three Nepalese carriers, serve 31 destinations in 16 countries.

 

Highlighting Nepal's expanding global connectivity, Mr. Tiwari mentioned that the country has bilateral air service agreements with 41 nations. The most recent agreement was inked between Nepal and Rwanda on November 19, underlining the nation's commitment to fostering international partnerships and enhancing its aviation landscape.

 

Lastly, the surge in air passenger arrivals at Tribhuvan International Airport in 2023 not only signals a remarkable recovery from the pandemic's impact but also establishes a new record for the aviation sector in Nepal. The future looks promising as the country strengthens its air connectivity with bilateral agreements and a growing network of airlines.