Big profits, little tax: Foreign airlines in Nepal
Summary
Foreign airlines operating at Tribhuvan International Airport generate over Rs 150 billion annually but have failed to pay required taxes totaling Rs 2.57 billion in recent fiscal years. While Qatar Airways leads in revenue, many foreign carriers have shown little interest in other Nepalese international airports.
Key Points
- 27 foreign airlines operate from Tribhuvan International Airport, earning over Rs 150 billion annually from international flights.
- Qatar Airways is the largest foreign airline in Nepal by revenue, earning nearly Rs 49.79 billion in 2024 from ticket sales.
- Foreign airlines have failed to pay Rs 2.572 billion in taxes over two fiscal years despite legal requirements.
- Foreign airlines show little interest in operating from Nepal's other international airports at Pokhara and Bhairahawa due to passenger and route constraints.
