Buddha Air - Nepal's Trusted Airline

  • Founded in 1996, with operations beginning on October 11, 1997.:contentReference
  • Main hub: Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu)
    secondary hub: Pokhara International Airport.:contentReference
  • Fleet: 18 aircraft - 16 ATR 72-500 and 2 ATR 42-300 models.:contentReference
  • Destinations: Serves 14-15 destinations, both domestic and international
  • International routes: Seasonal service to Varanasi; resuming Kathmandu-Kolkata flights from September 2025.
  • Established frequent-flyer program called Royal Club.

Services for Tourists

  • Mountain Sightseeing Flights such as:
    • Everest Experience - Aerial views of Mt. Everest and surrounding peaks, with guaranteed window seats.
    • Peaks of Pokhara - Scenic flight showcasing Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre.:contentReference
    • Everest to Annapurna flight - One-and-a-half-hour cross-range panorama from Everest to Annapurna.:contentReference
    • Annapurna Experience - Early morning flight from Pokhara offering views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, and more.:contentReference
  • Domestic Flights to key destinations like Pokhara, Bharatpur, Biratnagar, Nepalgunj, Bhadrapur, Janakpur, Surkhet, Dhangadhi, Simara, Tumlingtar, Rajbiraj, Bharatpur↔Pokhara, etc.
  • Charter Services: Available for remote regions, medical evacuations, local tours, and special needs.:contentReference
  • Onboard Services: Complimentary snacks/beverages, in-flight magazine "Yatra", wheelchair and oxygen assistance available if pre-requested.

Why Choose Buddha Air?

  • Largest private airline in Nepal with over 160 daily flights.:contentReference
  • Exceptional safety record and maintenance standards — only airline with a hangar facility at Tribhuvan Airport.
  • Recognized for reliability, customer service, and scenic travel experiences.:contentReference
  • First Nepali airline with online booking and frequent flyer loyalty program.:contentReference
  • Strong commitment to CSR including education, tourism promotion, and environmental sustainability.

Quick Facts Table

Feature Details
Founded / First Flight 1996 / October 11, 1997 (Everest sightseeing flight)
Fleet 18 Aircraft (16 ATR 72-500, 2 ATR 42-300)
Destinations 14-15 domestic & international (e.g. Varanasi, Kolkata from Sept '25)
Mountain Flights Everest, Pokhara, Annapurna experiences with guaranteed window seats
Safety & Facilities Own hangar at TIA, excellent safety record, frequent-flyer, online booking
Why Tourists Choose It Reliability, comfort, scenic options, and strong CSR initiatives

Note: Buddha Air also owns a subsidiary, **Yashodhara Air**, which is being developed to serve remote STOL (short-runway) airfields from Ramechhap and Pokhara.:contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}