Tourism and air travel surge in Nepal amid infrastructure challenges and natural disasters

KATHMANDU: As Nepal’s tourism and aviation sectors rebound from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the increase in tourist numbers is pushing air travel demand to new heights. This resurgence, however, brings to light serious issues related to Nepal’s inadequate infrastructure and reliance on air travel due to deteriorating roads and natural disasters.

With tourists returning in record numbers, the civil aviation sector is struggling to keep up with demand amid infrastructure limitations, presenting an urgent call for government intervention to sustain growth without compromising safety and efficiency.

According to data from the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Nepal’s main airport, passenger traffic has reached unprecedented levels in 2024, with a record-breaking 6,838,551 passengers traveling through the airport in the first nine months of the year. This surge reflects both a strong recovery in tourism and the shift in domestic travelers increasingly choosing air travel to circumvent poorly maintained roads and areas prone to landslides and flooding.

Infrastructure Strain: An Unforeseen Challenge

While the increasing numbers may signal a positive outlook for tourism, they reveal deeper systemic issues that Nepal’s aviation and road infrastructure are not equipped to handle. Airport sources report that TIA has seen a staggering 72,677 domestic flights and 24,801 international flights in the first three quarters of the year alone. This high frequency of air travel not only strains TIA’s operational capacity but also raises safety concerns as Nepal’s aviation sector remains under scrutiny due to past safety challenges and incidents.

Despite the crucial role of the aviation sector in sustaining tourism and enabling domestic movement, especially during monsoon-induced disruptions, there has been limited investment in expanding airport infrastructure and improving facilities. Airport congestion, flight delays, and inadequate amenities are frequent complaints among passengers, creating a gap between Nepal’s tourism potential and the infrastructure needed to support it.

“The growth is good, but it’s unsustainable if we don’t improve our infrastructure and safety protocols. Tourists and locals alike are depending on air travel more than ever, but the facilities aren’t developing at the same rate,” said a senior official from TIA, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Road Infrastructure Woes Add Pressure

The deteriorating state of Nepal’s road network further compounds the issue. Persistent monsoon floods and landslides have rendered several key highways impassable, particularly during the peak festival season of Dashain. This not only disrupts travel plans but also compels an increasing number of Nepalis to rely on flights. Given Nepal’s rugged terrain, road-building is complex and expensive, but experts argue that continued neglect is no longer an option.

“We are seeing more travelers opting for air travel not just out of convenience but out of necessity due to the unsafe and unpredictable conditions of the roads. It’s not an ideal situation; it shows a lack of effective planning and accountability,” said transportation analyst Dr. Rajendra Bhatt.

Surge in Domestic and International Traffic

The increase in both international and domestic travel is noteworthy. Out of the total passenger count at TIA, 3,630,854 were international passengers, with 1,929,159 departing from Nepal and 1,701,695 arriving. The demand from outbound Nepali travelers, combined with the return of international tourists, underscores Nepal’s role as a regional tourism hub.

However, experts warn that unless airport facilities improve, this rising interest could be jeopardized. Nepal’s aviation sector is frequently in the spotlight for safety challenges, including maintenance issues and airport management concerns. Meanwhile, TIA’s outdated facilities are unable to meet the comfort and convenience standards that are expected in a growing tourism destination, leaving travelers with limited and often overcrowded options.

Call for Comprehensive Reforms

Amid the optimism for tourism recovery, industry stakeholders are urging the government to implement sustainable measures that address both road and air travel infrastructure. As Nepal’s tourism sector rebounds, improved transport infrastructure will be crucial in ensuring that the sector can not only sustain growth but also enhance the country’s reputation among international visitors.

“The demand is there, the growth is there. But without proper planning and investment, we’re likely to face bigger problems down the road, from safety to service quality. It’s time for the government to prioritize infrastructure development to support this vital sector,” noted Bhatt.

With continued inaction, the very factors that are driving the resurgence in tourism and air travel could become the sector’s biggest liabilities. In the absence of well-coordinated, large-scale improvements to both aviation and road infrastructure, Nepal’s recovery in tourism and related sectors remains fragile.