Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu is bustling with travelers eager to experience its growing offerings. Nepal’s primary gateway, TIA, has become more than a transit hub. It’s a welcoming point for visitors worldwide.
Recent upgrades at TIA showcase its commitment to visitor satisfaction. Now, travelers find a host of amenities designed to make every journey enjoyable, efficient, and comfortable.
TIA’s ground floor is all about convenience. The area is packed with essential services and helpful spots, giving travelers everything they need when they arrive. Whether someone needs a snack or a SIM card, they can find it here.
Food options are plentiful. Upon arrival, visitors can enjoy snacks, tea, coffee, and other quick bites. Traditional teas and treats are also available in Nepal. The offerings provide a refreshment and a first taste of the country’s culinary culture.
Souvenirs are a must-have for any trip. TIA’s souvenir shop offers many items that reflect Nepalese culture. The shop provides visitors with authentic mementos, from handcrafted trinkets to more oversized items.
It’s a perfect place to pick up a gift or reminder of their visit.
Staying connected is essential for international travelers, and TIA understands this well. The Nepal Telecommunication Corporation counter on the ground floor ensures that new arrivals can quickly get a local SIM card.
Prepaid packages are also available, helping travelers stay in touch throughout their stay. This counter makes communication a breeze right from the start.
Currency exchange is a critical need for most travelers, especially international visitors. TIA offers a currency exchange service through Prabhu Bank on the ground floor.
This feature saves passengers from the hassle of finding an external currency exchange counter in a new city. Conveniently, they can convert their money directly at the airport.
Travelers can also find a post office at TIA. Although it may seem old-fashioned, sending a postcard or letter from the airport adds a unique touch. It’s a charming way to share one’s travel experience with family or friends back home.
Packages and parcels can also be sent from the airport’s post office.
TIA offers the Aerodrome Duty Office for information related to airport operations. Staffed with friendly personnel, this office helps travelers navigate airport services and procedures.
They provide essential airport-related information and guidance. First-time visitors find this service especially valuable.
TIA also has a convenient hotel reservation counter managed by the Hotel Association Nepal. This counter is perfect for those who prefer to arrange accommodations on arrival.
Travelers can make last-minute hotel reservations without leaving the airport. The counter simplifies the process, providing immediate options for a comfortable stay.
Another critical feature on the ground floor is the Tourist Information Center. The center is fully stocked with brochures in multiple languages, which help travelers understand Nepal’s local attractions, transportation options, and more.
The check-in counters are easily accessible on the ground level, making the boarding process more streamlined for departing passengers. TIA also offers a luggage-wrapping service, which provides extra security for bags.
This service is perfect for travelers looking for an added layer of protection for their belongings.
Moving to the first floor, TIA focuses on comfort and luxury for travelers who want to relax before their flights. The first floor has lounges, premium amenities, and exclusive services designed to make waiting more pleasant. It is a place for travelers seeking a quiet, comfortable space.
The CIP (Commercially Important Person) Lounge offers an upscale, private atmosphere for passengers who prefer luxury and relaxation. Here, they can unwind in comfortable seating and enjoy refreshments.
The lounge provides an escape from the terminal’s hustle and bustle.
Passenger facilities have been improved in the International Departure Sterile Hall at TIA pic.twitter.com/CWOWfwk7n0
— TIA,Kathmandu (@TIACAO2) July 11, 2024
TIA’s duty-free shop on the first floor features an extensive selection of goods. Travelers can browse various international and local items, from fragrances to Nepalese handicrafts.
This shop is ideal for passengers looking for a last-minute gift or purchase before boarding.
VIP travelers have a designated lounge, too. This space caters to high-profile passengers with added privacy and exclusive seating and provides top-notch services for dignitaries and notable guests.
Press Rooms 1 and 2 are designated explicitly for media professionals. These rooms provide an ideal work environment, offering equipment and a quiet space for reporting.
For journalists covering Nepal-related events, these rooms prove invaluable.
Transit passengers benefit from a dedicated security check area on the first floor. This checkpoint is designed for those with connecting flights and ensures a quick, efficient screening process.
The setup helps transit passengers move smoothly through security.
TIA offers free Wi-Fi throughout the airport. In addition, the Nepal Telecommunication Corporation provides domestic direct-dial telephones located conveniently in the concourse area. These phones allow free local calls.
Whether travelers need Wi-Fi for work or want to call a local contact, these services keep everyone connected.
The airport restaurant on the first floor serves a variety of meals. Travelers can choose from local and international cuisine, catering to various tastes. The restaurant offers a chance to enjoy a meal in a relaxed setting before their flight.
Additional services include another currency exchange counter and a VAT refund counter on the first floor. The second currency exchange option is handy for travelers who miss the ground-floor counter.
For international travelers, the VAT refund counter provides a way to claim refunds on value-added tax for eligible purchases. This option adds value to the shopping experience.
TIA understands the importance of accessibility for travelers with disabilities. The airport includes elevators, escalators, and specially designed washrooms.
These features ensure a comfortable experience for disabled travelers, making TIA an inclusive environment. Accessibility is a top priority, enabling all travelers to navigate the airport quickly.
As Nepal’s tourism industry expands, TIA’s ongoing improvements highlight its commitment to international standards. From the warm welcome on the ground floor to the premium facilities on the first, TIA offers a well-rounded travel experience.
Each service caters to specific traveler needs, from currency exchange to the hotel reservation counter.
TIA isn’t just a transit point; it reflects Nepal’s hospitality. The airport’s upgrades and facilities set it apart, creating a lasting first impression for every visitor. Every improvement speaks to TIA’s vision to make Nepal a desirable destination in South Asia and globally.
The airport’s dedication to service and comfort ensures a smooth and welcoming experience. Travelers leave with positive memories, starting their Nepal adventure the moment they land at TIA.
As the country’s only international airport, TIA’s growth is essential for Nepal’s tourism industry, aligning with global standards to serve all visitors better.
TIA’s future looks promising as it redefines travel in South Asia. The airport’s commitment to enhancing each aspect of the traveler’s journey ensures that Nepal’s doors are wide open, warm, and welcoming.
With each facility, TIA reflects Nepal’s rich heritage, extending a heartfelt invitation for travelers to discover all this extraordinary country has to offer.