Nepal’s new airports struggle as foreign trade remains minimal

Kathmandu, April 23

Data shows that Nepal’s two newly built international airports have recorded negligible foreign trade due to the lack of international flights.

According to the Department of Customs, imports worth Rs 4.605 million were recorded through Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa during the first nine months (mid-July to mid-April) of the current fiscal year 2025/26. However, exports from the airport stood at zero.

Similarly, no foreign trade has been recorded through Pokhara International Airport.

The highest volume of foreign trade via air customs points continues to be handled by Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

In the nine months, imports worth Rs 157 billion were recorded through Tribhuvan International Airport, accounting for 10.55 per cent of the country’s total imports, which stood at Rs 1.49 trillion.

Exports through the airport during the same period amounted to Rs 26.58 billion, representing 11.93 per cent of total exports.

According to the department, Nepal’s total exports reached Rs 229 billion by mid-April.

Among all customs points, Birgunj handles the largest share of foreign trade. Data shows that 46.57 per cent of total imports and 35.69 per cent of total exports pass through Birgunj.

Imports worth Rs 694 billion were recorded via Birgunj, while exports stood at Rs 79.55 billion.

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