Impact of Fuel Price Hike and Ticket Fare Increase Leads to Drop in Domestic Air Passengers
News Summary
Prepared after thorough review.
- Rising aviation fuel costs led to increased ticket fares, causing a decrease in domestic flight passenger numbers in April.
- Among domestic air service providers, Buddha Air served the highest number of passengers: 172,876.
- Due to spring tourism season, international flights have seen a significant rise in passenger volume.
May 24, Kathmandu – The ongoing war in West Asia has driven up aviation fuel prices, which in turn increased ticket fares, resulting in a decline in passengers on domestic flights.
According to Tribhuvan Airport Office, the total number of domestic air passengers in April 2026 was 317,954, down from 335,683 in March on domestic routes.
Airlines have indicated that the surge in fuel costs and ticket prices has impacted passenger volumes. Buddha Air’s Information Officer, Dipendra Karn, cited the fuel price as the primary reason for decreased passenger pressure.
“When fuel prices doubled overnight from NPR 127 per liter, it inevitably influenced ticket fares,” he explained.
Additionally, he noted that the recent leap year month led to reduced travel frequency, and the relatively low number of tourists has contributed to the decline in domestic passenger traffic.
According to the airport office, 160,601 domestic passengers departed from Kathmandu in April, while 157,353 arrived there.
During the month, there were 4,272 domestic departures and 4,270 arrivals recorded. Buddha Air served 172,876 passengers domestically in that period.
Tribhuvan Airport Office reports that Buddha Air was the top carrier for domestic travel in April 2026. Yeti Airlines ranked second with 71,027 passengers served, followed by Shree Airlines, which transported 53,521 passengers.
Meanwhile, the government-owned Nepal Airlines Corporation served only 1,148 passengers. Summit Air catered to 5,063 passengers, Tara Air 3,691, and Sita Air 2,646.
In total, 317,954 domestic passengers received services in April, including those flying with helicopter service providers.
How is the international passenger count?
International flight passenger numbers have increased. In April, 450,582 passengers used international flights, up from 375,674 in March.
In April, international departures totaled 226,497 passengers, with arrivals at 223,985. During this period, there were 1,461 international departures and 1,459 arrivals. Additionally, 100 passengers utilized transit services.
The peak tourist and spring seasons have bolstered an environment favourable to trekking and mountaineering, contributing to the growth in international passenger arrivals and departures in Nepal.