Building Wings, Grounded by Reality

Nepal has invested hundreds of millions in modern airports to boost its tourism-driven economy. Yet, these ambitious projects are largely idle, crippled by a disconnect between infrastructure spending and the crucial realities of geopolitics, safety, and sustainability. This interactive report explores this paradox.

The Economic Engine & The Grand Plan

This section explores tourism’s vital role in Nepal’s economy and the government’s ambitious “Visit Nepal Decade” plan. The data reveals a strong recovery in tourist arrivals but also a critical challenge: converting visitor numbers into high-value economic returns. The interactive chart below visualizes this journey and the scale of future ambitions.

Tourist Arrivals: Recovery vs. Ambition

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The Value Gap: Daily Spend per Tourist (2019)

From Volume to Value

Despite a robust recovery in visitor numbers, a critical analysis reveals a concerning trend. The average daily spending per tourist in Nepal (US$48) lags significantly behind competitors like India and Thailand, and is less than half the global average.

The “Visit Nepal Decade” aims to more than double this figure to $125. This highlights a fundamental strategic challenge: the national plan is focused on increasing arrival *volume* through new airports, but its success hinges on attracting higher-*value* tourists. Without a targeted strategy to close this value gap, Nepal risks straining its resources for diminishing economic returns.

A Tale of Four Airports

Nepal’s aviation strategy is defined by four key airports, each with a unique story of ambition, challenge, and controversy. From the overburdened lifeline in Kathmandu to the underutilized new gateways and a contentious future vision, this section provides a comparative snapshot. Click on any airport card to learn more about its role and critical issues.

The Core Challenges

Building modern airports is only half the battle. A series of deep-rooted challenges—geopolitical, financial, safety-related, and environmental—are preventing Nepal from realizing the benefits of its investments. This section breaks down these critical issues. Select a challenge below to explore its impact.

The Path Forward: Strategic Recommendations

To bridge the gap between ambition and reality, a strategic pivot is essential. The report concludes with five prioritized, actionable recommendations for policymakers to set Nepal’s aviation and tourism sectors on a sustainable path. Click on each recommendation to view the detailed action and rationale.