Janakpur Airport

Janakpur Airport is more than just a regional transport hub; it is a true aerial gateway to the mythical Kingdom of Mithila. Located amidst picturesque plains, it serves as the main starting point for pilgrims seeking to visit the sacred Janaki Mandir temple, and for travelers exploring the unique culture of southern Nepal. Thanks to recent large-scale modernization, this airport has transformed from a modest airstrip into a modern and comfortable hub connecting the capital with the Indian border.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Janakpur Airport stands out among many other regional aviation hubs in Nepal due to a number of key advantages and technical capabilities.

• Night Flight Capability: This is one of the few airports in the plains (Terai) equipped with a modern navigation lighting system and X-ray equipment, allowing it to receive and dispatch flights after dark. This significantly increases schedule flexibility and convenience for passengers.
• New Terminal: The recently commissioned passenger terminal is a modern steel-frame structure. It provides a higher level of comfort, safety, and capacity compared to the old infrastructure.
• Handling Large Turboprop Aircraft: The asphalt runway is capable of accommodating aircraft such as the ATR-72, allowing leading airlines to operate flights with full capacity and offer more seats.
• Strategic Location: The airport is located in close proximity to the city and just a few kilometers from the border with India, making it a convenient transit point for international travelers continuing by land.

Below is the essential contact information for Janakpur Airport (JKR). We recommend checking the currency of the data on official resources, as it may change.

• Official Website: Current information can be found on the airport's page on the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) portal: janakpurairport.caanepal.gov.np.
• Inquiry Service Phone: +977-41-520569, +977-41-521876.
• Airport Address: Janakpur Airport, Janakpurdham, Dhanusha, Nepal.
• Email: janakpur_cao@caanepal.gov.np.
• Social Media: Separate official pages for the airport are not maintained. All important information is published on the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal website.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to finding lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline's representative at the airport directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions and support, it is recommended to use the contact phone numbers or email address listed above.

Janakpur Airport (IATA: JKR) is located quite close to the center of the eponymous city, making the journey there quick and convenient. The distance is only a few kilometers, so the trip will not take much time. You can reach the terminal in several ways, suitable for different budgets and comfort levels.

Taxis and Auto-rickshaws are the most popular and practical way to get to the airport. A trip from the city center of Janakpur by taxi or motorized rickshaw (locals often call them "tempos") will take approximately 15–20 minutes depending on traffic. The cost of the trip usually amounts to a few hundred Nepalese rupees, but it is recommended to agree on the price with the driver in advance to avoid misunderstandings. This method is ideal for travelers with luggage.

Public Transport in Nepal represents a more budget-friendly but less convenient alternative. There are no specialized buses to the airport; however, you can use local minibuses that pass along the main road near the airport. From the stop, you will likely have to walk some distance. This option is suitable for experienced tourists traveling light and wishing to save money.

Car Rental and Transfers. Car rental services with a driver are also available in the city. This is the most comfortable, albeit more expensive, option. You can book a car in advance through your hotel or a local travel agency. The driver will meet you at the designated location and take you directly to the terminal. Self-drive car rental is less common among tourists.

Airport Parking. For those arriving in their own or rented vehicles, parking is provided within the airport territory. It is small, but there are usually enough spaces to leave a car for passenger pick-up or drop-off. This is a convenient option if friends are seeing you off or meeting you in a private car.

Janakpur Airport (JKR) is a compact regional airport serving the city of Janakpur and its surroundings in Nepal. Its infrastructure is extremely simple and intuitive: the airport consists of one small terminal used for all domestic flights — both arrivals and departures. This makes navigation extremely easy, even for first-time travelers.

The entire airport structure is concentrated in one building. Immediately at the entrance, there are check-in counters for several local airlines. After passing check-in and security screening, passengers enter a common waiting hall. The arrival and baggage claim zones are also located here, but in a separate part of the building. Due to the modest size of the terminal, getting lost is practically impossible, and all key areas are within a couple of minutes' walk from each other.

Since the airport has only one terminal, the issue of transferring between them is not relevant. Check-in and screening procedures usually proceed quite quickly. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1–1.5 hours before departure. During peak periods, for example, before the departure of popular flights, small queues may occur.

The main advice for navigating Janakpur Airport is not to worry. Its modest size is more of an advantage for the traveler, eliminating the stress associated with finding the right gate or terminal. The signs, though few, are quite clear, and the airport staff is always ready to help and suggest directions.

Janakpur Airport (JKR) began its history in the mid-20th century, becoming one of the first and most important regional airports in Nepal. Its foundation was dictated by the need to connect the sacred city of Janakpur, a major center of Hindu pilgrimage, with the capital Kathmandu and the rest of the world. In its first decades of operation, it was a modest airstrip with minimal infrastructure, but even in that form, it played a key role in the development of tourism and transport accessibility in the region.

Over time, the airport underwent several stages of modernization; however, the most significant event in its recent history was the construction and opening of a completely new terminal in recent years. This was a response to growing passenger traffic and modern requirements for comfort and safety. The new terminal building significantly increased capacity and improved the quality of passenger service. The runway was also reconstructed, enabling the reception of more modern and larger aircraft, such as the ATR 72.

An interesting fact from the airport's history lies in its special role during major religious festivals. Annually, during the holidays of Vivah Panchami and Ram Navami, JKR Airport experiences a real boom, receiving thousands of pilgrims from Nepal and India. On these days, its operation becomes particularly intense, highlighting its unique importance not only as a transport hub but also as a gateway to one of the most important spiritual centers in South Asia.

Janakpur Airport (JKR) is a small domestic airport serving the eponymous city in Nepal. It offers passengers a basic set of services necessary for a comfortable wait for their flight. In the terminal, you will find several small cafes and kiosks where you can buy drinks, light refreshments, and snacks. The selection here is not as extensive as in international airports, but sufficient for a snack before a flight. Specialized shops and duty-free zones are absent.

A general hall is provided for waiting for departures. Information regarding the availability of VIP lounges is best checked directly with your airline, as access may be limited. Wi-Fi access at the airport can be unstable, so it is recommended to use mobile data. The number of power outlets for charging electronic devices is also limited, so it is more reliable to carry a portable battery (power bank).

Financial services at the airport are minimal. There may be an ATM, but for currency exchange or complex banking operations, it is better to visit bank branches in the city of Janakpur. A first aid post operates within the terminal territory, which can be visited in case of illness.

The airport is equipped to serve passengers with special needs. To receive assistance with moving around the terminal, check-in, and boarding, passengers with limited mobility are recommended to notify their airline in advance. There are no specialized mother and child rooms or play areas at the airport, but the staff is always ready to assist families traveling with children.

There are no hotels within the airport itself. However, since the airport is located near the city, you will easily find many accommodation options in Janakpur — from budget guesthouses to comfortable hotels. There, in city business hotels, you can find conference rooms and other services for business travelers, as they are not provided in the airport building.

When planning a departure from Janakpur, it is important to remember that Janakpur Airport (JKR) is a small domestic airport with a basic set of services. Dining options here are quite modest and primarily designed for a quick snack before a flight.

In the airport's single terminal, usually in the general hall before the security zone (landside), you will find several small kiosks or tea stalls. There are no restaurants or cafes in the usual sense, but simple snacks and drinks can be purchased. The assortment typically includes:

• Hot Drinks: Traditional Nepalese tea with milk and spices (Masala tea), black tea, and instant coffee.
• Snacks: Popular local snacks such as samosas (pastries with vegetable filling), packets of chips, cookies, and instant noodles, which can be prepared for you on the spot.
• Drinks: Bottled water, carbonated drinks, and packaged juices.

Prices at the airport are very affordable, which is typical for small regional air terminals in Nepal. Finding a full lunch here is practically impossible, so all offers are oriented towards a light snack. Regarding dietary preferences, vegetarian options, such as vegetable samosas, are usually available. However, finding specialized vegan, gluten-free, or certified Halal dishes will be difficult.

The opening hours of establishments are fully tied to the flight schedule and general airport operating hours. We recommend having a substantial meal at one of the numerous cafes in the city of Janakpur itself before heading to the airport, leaving only the purchase of drinks or light snacks for the journey at the terminal.

Traveling through Janakpur Airport, like any other aviation hub, requires a little preparation. To ensure your trip around Nepal goes smoothly, use these tips. Since this is a regional airport serving only domestic flights, procedures here often go faster than in major hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive early: allow at least 1.5 hours before departure. This time will be enough to go through all formalities without rushing.

Check-in and security control procedures at Janakpur Airport are standard. To save time, have your passport or other identification and ticket ready. If the airline offers online check-in, be sure to use this opportunity — this way you can avoid queues at the counter. When passing through security, be prepared to remove electronic devices such as laptops and tablets, as well as containers with liquids, from your hand luggage.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences. Window seats will give you the opportunity to admire the views during takeoff and landing, especially if your route lies over picturesque landscapes. Aisle seats are convenient because you can stand up freely without disturbing your neighbors. Since flights from Janakpur are domestic and not very long, the choice of seat may not be as critical, but it still adds comfort.

Strictly observe hand luggage rules. You can take laptops, documents, money, medicines (with a prescription if required), and other valuables into the cabin. Liquids are allowed in containers with a volume of no more than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. It is prohibited to carry weapons, sharp objects (including nail scissors), flammable substances, and toxic materials in hand luggage. All prohibited items will have to be checked in as luggage or left at the airport.

If you have a connecting flight at another Nepalese airport, find the number of your next boarding gate on the information board immediately upon arrival. Check with airline staff whether you need to collect and re-register your luggage — on domestic flights of the same airline, it is most often transferred automatically, but rules may differ when changing carriers.

To save time and money, book flight tickets and airport transfers in advance. Taxi prices directly at the terminal may be inflated, so it is worth considering ordering via an app or arranging a pick-up with your hotel. Take a light snack and an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled after passing security — this will help avoid unnecessary expenses at the airport.

Flight delays, unfortunately, happen, especially depending on weather conditions. In case of a delay, remain calm. First, check with the airline representative for the reason and estimated departure time. During long delays, the air carrier is obliged to provide drinks and food. To avoid boredom, keep a book, a charged power bank, and headphones with you. This will help you wait out unforeseen circumstances with comfort.