Nepal’s Emerging Airports Face Low Foreign Trade Challenges

Comprehensive Summarization:

The article highlights the minimal foreign trade activity recorded through Nepal’s newly built international airports, Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa and Pokhara International Airport, due to the absence of international flights. According to the Department of Customs, imports through Gautam Buddha International Airport amounted to Rs 4.605 million in the first nine months of the current fiscal year 2025/26, while exports stood at zero. Similarly, no foreign trade was recorded through Pokhara International Airport. The article emphasizes that Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu continues to handle the highest volume of foreign trade via air customs points, with imports worth Rs 157 million recorded during the same period.

Key Points:

1. Nepal’s Gautam Buddha and Pokhara International Airports have recorded negligible foreign trade due to the lack of international flights.
2. Imports through Gautam Buddha International Airport amounted to Rs 4.605 million in the first nine months of the current fiscal year 2025/26, with zero exports.
3. No foreign trade has been recorded through Pokhara International Airport.
4. Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu remains the primary hub for foreign trade via air customs points.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Focus on International Connectivity: Given the minimal foreign trade activity at Gautam Buddha and Pokhara International Airports, there is a clear need for enhancing international flight connectivity to boost trade and tourism. Investing in international flight services could significantly increase the volume of foreign trade through these airports, aligning with broader economic development goals.

• Leverage Existing Airports for Growth: Tribhuvan International Airport’s continued dominance in foreign trade underscores its strategic importance. Stakeholders should explore opportunities to further optimize and expand its operations to maximize its potential as a key trade hub. This could involve upgrading facilities, improving logistics, and enhancing services to attract more international airlines and passengers.

Contextual Insights:

The article reflects the current state of Nepal’s aviation sector, where the establishment of new international airports represents a significant step towards enhancing the country’s connectivity and trade capabilities. However, the absence of international flights at Gautam Buddha and Pokhara Airports indicates a gap that needs to be addressed. This situation is reflective of broader industry trends where the success of new airports heavily depends on the availability of international flight routes. Thought leaders in the travel industry emphasize the importance of strategic partnerships and investments in airport infrastructure to ensure they meet global standards and attract international airlines. As the travel industry continues to evolve, with a focus on sustainability and technological advancements, airports must adapt by offering seamless connectivity options and integrating digital solutions to enhance the passenger experience. This will not only drive foreign trade but also position Nepal as a more attractive destination for international travelers.

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