For many years, Nepal had just one international airport. Although Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) was inaugurated in 1964, the history of Nepali aviation began when a Beechcraft Bonanza aircraft landed in Kathmandu in 1946. Formerly known as Gauchar airport due to its history as a grazing ground for cows, it remained Nepal’s sole international hub for decades. With daily increases in travel for work, education, leisure, and over 500,000 annual tourists, the demand for additional international airports in Nepal became critical. Talks of new airports persisted, leading to the recent inauguration of Pokhara International Airport and Gautam Buddha International Airport. Gautam Buddha International Airport became the second international airport in the country in May 2022, followed by the inauguration of Pokhara Airport in January 2023, bringing the total to three international airports. Opening of these two new airports has created a direct link for tourists to three of Nepal's most popular destinations: Pokhara, Bhairahawa, and Kathmandu.

Pokhara

Pokhara, located in western Nepal, is renowned for its natural beauty and proximity to the Himalayas. Popular attractions here include paragliding, bungee jumping, ziplining, and ultra-flights. The city features Fewa Lake, a hub for activities like boating and fishing, and landmarks such as Sarangkot, offering breathtaking mountain views. The Peace Pagoda, Pumdikot Shiva Temple, Davis Falls, and the International Mountain Museum add to Pokhara's allure. Additionally, the city serves as a starting point for many treks in the Annapurna region.

Bhairahawa

Bhairahawa, situated in the southwestern region of Nepal, is renowned for its proximity to Lumbini - the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Tourist destinations in Lumbini include Lumbini Sacred Garden - a UNESCO World Heritage site with the Mayadevi temple, Ashoka pillar, and the holy Pushkarini pond. The Lumbini Monastic Zone features Buddhist monasteries built in various architectural styles. Other attractions in the periphery of Bhairahawa include the ancient Ramgram Stupa, Tilaurakot (believed to be the capital of the Shakya kingdom), Tansen, and the gateway to Mustang.

Kathmandu

Kathmandu, as the federal capital, is a major tourist hub boasting the most UNESCO World Heritage sites in Nepal. Key attractions include the Swayambhunath Stupa, known for its large stupa and significance to Buddhists and Hindus. The Pashupatinath Temple, another UNESCO site, is dedicated to Lord Pashupatinath. Bouddhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square showcase rich architecture, ancient palaces, and Newari culture.

The opening of new international airports facilitates direct access to these major tourist destinations, presenting a significant opportunity for Nepal's tourism industry. Despite perceived risks in air travel, Buddha Air, operational for 25 years, prioritises safety and adheres to world-class safety standards. The airline conducts independent operational safety audits and embraces new technologies to enhance flight safety. In 2022, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal introduced guidelines to further enhance flight safety. Buddha Air, operating ATR aircraft, caters to tourists with mountain flights and domestic routes connecting major cities like Pokhara, Bhairahawa, and Kathmandu.