Tribhuvan International Airport (VNKT)
Large airport · Kathmandu, Bagmati Province, Nepal
Airport data
| Name | Tribhuvan International Airport |
|---|---|
| ICAO | VNKT |
| IATA | KTM |
| Elevation | 4,390 ft (1338 m) above mean sea level |
| Coordinates | N 27°41'48" E 85°21'33" 27.69660, 85.35910 |
| Location | Kathmandu, Bagmati Province, Nepal |
| Scheduled service | Yes |
Runways
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface | Lighted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02/20 | 10,991 ft (3350 m) | 148 ft | ASP | Yes |
Tribhuvan International Airport at a glance
Tribhuvan International Airport is a large airport in Kathmandu, Bagmati Province, Nepal, known to airline systems as KTM. The field elevation of 4,390 ft (1338 m) is the number every arriving pilot dials against QNH — circuit heights and initial approach altitudes at VNKT are all figured from it. The airport handles scheduled commercial service, so expect controlled procedures, published approaches and commercial traffic in the pattern.
The single runway, 02/20, offers 10,991 ft (3350 m) of asp surface, with runway lighting for night operations. Runway numbers give magnetic orientation: runway 02 points roughly 20° magnetic.
For the weather side of planning, the live METAR and TAF page for VNKT shows the current observation decoded line by line — wind on an instrument dial, visibility, cloud layers and the resulting flight rules — refreshed continuously from official sources.
Nearest airports to Tribhuvan International Airport
Distances are great-circle, measured from the field reference point — planning distances along airways or roads will run longer.
| Airport | Code | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Janakpur Airport | VNJP | 123 km (66 NM) |
| Tenzing-Hillary Airport | VNLK | 135 km (73 NM) |
| Pokhara International Airport | VNPR | 143 km (77 NM) |
| Pokhara Domestic Airport | VNPK | 146 km (79 NM) |
| Shigatse Tingri Airport | ZUDR | 173 km (93 NM) |
Flight-planning notes for Tribhuvan International Airport
Density altitude is the quiet performance-killer at any field: on a hot day the 4,390 ft field elevation of Tribhuvan International Airport can translate into a substantially higher density altitude, stretching take-off rolls and flattening climb rates — run the numbers rather than trusting the feel of a standard day. Expect published instrument procedures, controlled airspace and clearance requirements; slots and handling may apply to general aviation traffic.
This entry is one of 9 airports and airfields we list for Nepal — the country index on the airports hub links the rest. Coordinates above are given in both DMS and decimal degrees so they can go straight into a GPS, a flight planner or a chart plot without conversion.
Where this data comes from
The reference layer behind this page builds on the OurAirports dataset — a public-domain, community-maintained register of the world's airports that many flight planners and apps rely on — with equity records preserved from documented historical listings where the dataset is silent. Figures are carried as published: elevations as surveyed, coordinates as filed, runway dimensions as recorded. Nothing is estimated to fill a gap, and the whole layer regenerates from source on every site build, so corrections upstream arrive here automatically.
Frequently asked questions about Tribhuvan International Airport
What is the ICAO code of Tribhuvan International Airport?
The ICAO identifier of Tribhuvan International Airport is VNKT, and its IATA code is KTM. The ICAO code is the one used in flight plans, METAR reports and aeronautical charts.
How high is Tribhuvan International Airport above sea level?
Tribhuvan International Airport sits at an elevation of 4,390 feet (1338 metres) above mean sea level. Field elevation is the reference for pattern altitudes and for setting the altimeter on the ground.
Where exactly is Tribhuvan International Airport located?
The airport lies at 27.6966, 85.3591 — in Kathmandu, Bagmati Province, Nepal, in the northern hemisphere. The closest listed field is Janakpur Airport, about 123 km away.
Does VNKT publish METAR weather reports?
Where the station reports, the current METAR and TAF for VNKT appear on its live weather page on this site, refreshed continuously from the US NWS Aviation Weather Center feed.
How long is the runway at Tribhuvan International Airport?
Tribhuvan International Airport has one runway. The longest, 02/20, measures 10,991 ft (3350 m) with a ASP surface.