Aviation
Biratnagar Airport Terminal
Nepal's largest domestic terminal building — surpassing Pokhara and Gautam Buddha airports.
Overview
Biratnagar Airport is undergoing a transformative upgrade with the construction of a brand-new terminal building that will be the largest domestic airport terminal in all of Nepal. At 16,277 square meters, the new terminal surpasses both the Pokhara International Airport and Gautam Buddha International Airport terminals in size.
Key Specifications
- Terminal area: 16,277 square meters
- Passenger capacity: 550 passengers simultaneously
- Check-in counters: 17
- Facilities: VIP lounge, VVIP lounge, children's play area, press conference room, customs & immigration sections, quarantine facilities, and commercial spaces
- Contractor: KC-Danfe JV
- Construction began: Foundation stone laid February 13, 2023
Construction Progress
As of early 2026, the overall construction progress has reached approximately 75 percent, with civil works completed and only mechanical components remaining. The terminal is expected to come into operation by the Nepali New Year in April 2026.
While progress was initially slow — reaching only 45 percent after two years — work has significantly accelerated in recent months.
Future Plans
After the new terminal becomes operational, authorities plan to extend the runway into the area currently occupied by the old terminal building, adding approximately 270 meters to the existing 1,500-meter runway. This extension would enhance the airport's capacity to handle larger aircraft and potentially pave the way for international flight operations in the future.
Strategic Significance
As the gateway to Koshi Province and eastern Nepal, the upgraded Biratnagar Airport will play a critical role in connecting the region to the rest of Nepal and beyond. The airport serves as a vital transport link for business travelers, tourists heading to the eastern Himalayan region, and the growing population of the Biratnagar metropolitan area.