Bhairawa Airport

Bhairawa Airport, officially bearing the proud name of Gautam Buddha International Airport, is not merely a transit point but a modern aerial gateway to the spiritual heart of Nepal. Located just a few kilometres from the legendary Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, it offers travellers a unique opportunity to begin their acquaintance with the country without the need to fly through the congested capital hub. This upgraded aviation hub, which has become the country's second international airport, combines the spaciousness of a modern terminal with the warm hospitality of the Terai plains, ensuring a comfortable start to any adventure.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

The main advantage of the airport is its strategic location: it is situated just a 20-minute drive from Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it the ideal choice for pilgrims and tourists wishing to avoid long overland journeys from Kathmandu. Furthermore, the airport holds a significant climatic advantage — located on the plains, it suffers far less frequently from thick fogs and complex wind patterns characteristic of the mountain regions, ensuring high flight regularity.

From a technical perspective, this is one of the most modern facilities in the country. The new 3,000-metre runway is capable of accommodating large international liners, and the terminal is equipped with advanced baggage handling and navigation systems. The airport also plays the role of a critical diversion airfield for flights heading to the capital, significantly enhancing the overall safety of air travel in Nepal.

You can contact representatives of Bhairawa Airport, also known as Gautam Buddha Airport, via the following details:

• Official Website: gbia.caanepal.gov.np
• Inquiry Service Phone: +977-71-520590
• Address: Gautam Buddha Airport, Siddharthanagar, Rupandehi, Nepal
• Email: gbia@caanepal.gov.np
• Social Media: Dedicated social media pages for the airport may not be available. It is recommended to look for the most up-to-date information on the official website.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact the support service of the airline you flew with directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general inquiries and assistance, you may use the airport's main phone number or email address.

Getting to Bhairawa Airport (also known as Gautam Buddha International Airport) from the city centre of Siddharthanagar is quite simple due to its close proximity. Travellers can choose from several convenient methods, depending on their budget, time, and preferences.

Taxis and Auto-rickshaws. This is the most popular and convenient way to reach the airport. A trip by taxi or motorised rickshaw (locals call them "tempos") from the city centre will take just 10–15 minutes. This is an ideal option for tourists with luggage. The cost of the trip is low, but it is recommended to agree on the price in advance with the driver or ensure the meter is switched on to avoid misunderstandings.

Public Transport. For the most budget-conscious travellers, there are local buses that ply routes passing near the airport. This option is the cheapest but may require a short walk from the stop to the terminal. It is a good choice for those travelling light who wish to experience the local flavour of Nepal.

Car Rental and Transfers. For maximum comfort and flexibility, you can rent a car, typically with a driver. This option is excellent if you plan to visit nearby attractions, such as Lumbini, immediately upon arrival or before departure. Many hotels also offer organised transfer services to the airport, allowing for hassle-free travel.

Airport Parking. If you are travelling to the airport in your own or a rented vehicle, parking is provided within the Bhairawa Airport grounds. Here, you can leave a car for a short time to drop off passengers or for a longer duration. It is best to check parking rates on-site.

Bhairawa Airport (BWA), also known as Gautam Buddha International Airport, features a simple and clear structure consisting of two main terminals. Following recent modernisation, the airport has separated passenger flows into international and domestic, which has significantly simplified navigation.

1. International Terminal. This is a new, modern building serving all international flights. Located here are the check-in counters for international airlines, passport control and customs zones, as well as waiting lounges. Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated. The departure area features several boarding gates, shops, and cafes. Thanks to the modern design and thoughtful layout, orienting yourself within it is quite easy.

2. Domestic Terminal. This is the old airport building, which is now fully used to service flights within Nepal (for example, to Kathmandu or Pokhara). It is significantly smaller and simpler than the international one but fully serves its purpose. The departure and arrival zones here are small, and procedures take minimal time.

The airport layout is logical: the two terminals are located not far from each other, and moving between them is not difficult, although they are in separate buildings. Navigation is intuitive thanks to signs in Nepali and English. Since the airport is not overcrowded, check-in and security screening procedures usually proceed quickly. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive 2-3 hours before departure, while for domestic flights, 1-1.5 hours will suffice. The main tip for travellers is to check in advance from which terminal (international or domestic) your flight departs to avoid confusion.

The history of Bhairawa Airport (BWA), officially known as Gautam Buddha Airport, begins on 4 July 1958. Initially, it was a small domestic airfield with a grass runway, serving the city of Siddharthanagar and the surrounding districts of Nepal. The airport received its second name due to its proximity to Lumbini — the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, which determined its future significance from the very start.

The first decades of the airport's operation were marked by gradual development. A significant milestone was 1967, when the grass strip was replaced with asphalt, allowing for the reception of larger aircraft. In subsequent years, especially between 1977 and the 1990s, the infrastructure was repeatedly improved: work was carried out to lengthen and strengthen the runway, and service buildings were modernised to improve the quality of domestic flight services.

The most significant transformation in the airport's history began in 2015 with the launch of a massive project to turn it into an international aviation hub. The goal of the project was to create a second international airport in the country, capable of relieving the capital's airport in Kathmandu and becoming the main gateway for millions of pilgrims and tourists heading to Lumbini. As part of the reconstruction, a new 3,000-metre runway and a modern international terminal were built, and advanced navigation systems, including an Instrument Landing System (ILS), were installed.

A new era for Bhairawa Airport dawned on 16 May 2022, when it was officially opened with international status. The date was not chosen by chance — it coincided with the celebration of Buddha Jayanti, the birthday of Buddha. On this day, the airport welcomed its first international flight, which became a historic event for Nepal's aviation and tourism. This achievement cemented its status as a key element of the country's transport infrastructure.

Among the interesting facts from the airport's history, its unique strategic position stands out. It is located just 25 kilometres from Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it indispensable for the development of religious tourism. Its transformation from a modest airfield into a modern international airport is a vivid example of how infrastructure projects can contribute to the economic and cultural development of an entire region.

Bhairawa Airport (BWA), also known as Gautam Buddha Airport, is an important transport hub for travellers heading to Lumbini and the western regions of Nepal. Despite its relatively small size, the airport offers all essential services and amenities to ensure a comfortable stay for passengers before their flight.

Restaurants, Cafes, and Shops: In the terminal, you will find several small cafes and eateries where you can have a snack or drink a cup of local tea or coffee. The selection usually includes light snacks, sandwiches, and beverages. There are also souvenir stalls and shops where you can purchase necessities, books, and gifts to remember your trip by.

Waiting Lounges and Wi-Fi: General waiting halls with sufficient seating are available for all passengers. While specialised VIP lounges may not be present, some airlines may offer their own zones for business class passengers. The airport typically provides access to free Wi-Fi, and there are charging stations for mobile devices, allowing you to stay connected.

Financial Services: For the convenience of travellers, currency exchange counters are available in the airport building, and ATMs are installed for cash withdrawals. This is particularly convenient for international tourists arriving in the region.

Medical Assistance and Family Services: A first aid station operates within the airport grounds for unforeseen situations. For passengers travelling with small children, mother and child rooms are provided where you can care for your baby in a quiet environment.

Services for Passengers with Reduced Mobility: The airport is equipped to serve passengers with special needs. Wheelchairs and assistance with moving through the terminal and boarding the aircraft are provided. To receive this service, it is recommended to notify your airline in advance regarding the need for assistance.

Hotels and Business Services: There are no hotels directly inside the airport building; however, in the immediate vicinity, in the city of Bhairawa (Siddharthanagar), there are numerous hotels to suit any taste and budget. Specialised conference rooms or business centres are absent within the terminal itself, but such services can be found in major hotels nearby.

Dining opportunities at Bhairawa Airport (BWA), also known as Gautam Buddha Airport, correspond to its status as a regional international hub. Although the selection here is not as extensive as in major global hubs, passengers can find several options to have a snack or a full meal before departure.

The main dining points are located in the main terminal, predominantly in the public area (before security control). Here you will find several small cafes and eateries. After passing security, in the departure zone, the choice is usually more limited and may be confined to a small kiosk with beverages and packaged snacks. Therefore, if you wish to have a more substantial meal, it is better to do so before check-in and screening.

Menus in local establishments often offer both Nepali dishes and standard international snacks. This is a great opportunity to try local hits: be sure to order a portion of momo (steamed or fried Nepali dumplings) or crispy samosas with vegetable filling. For a full meal, you can find places offering Thali — a set meal with rice, lentil soup (dal), vegetable curry, and pickles. Prices at the airport are moderate but generally slightly higher than in the city.

For vegetarians, Nepali cuisine offers many options, including vegetable momos, samosas, and vegetarian thalis. However, finding certified Halal, vegan, or gluten-free dishes might be difficult. It is recommended to check the ingredients directly with the café staff. Most establishments operate according to the flight schedule, opening a few hours before the first departures and closing after the last aircraft has left.

When planning a flight from Bhairawa Airport, also known as Gautam Buddha Airport, allow sufficient time. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive 2.5-3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights, 1.5-2 hours. Although the airport is not as large as capital hubs, it serves an important tourist region, including Lumbini, so it can be crowded during peak hours.

Check-in and security procedures at Siddharthanagar airport are standard but may be less automated. Have your passport, visa (if required), and ticket ready. To speed up the screening process, remove all metal items from your pockets in advance, and take laptops and other large gadgets out of your hand luggage.

When choosing a seat on flights from Nepal or within the country, if possible, book a window seat. You might be lucky enough to see breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks. If comfort and the ability to stand up freely are more important to you, choose an aisle seat.

It is prohibited to carry liquids in containers larger than 100 ml, sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances in hand luggage. Always check the current rules of your airline. Important documents, money, valuables, and necessary medication should always be kept with you in your hand luggage and not checked in.

If you have a transfer at Bhairawa Airport, especially from a domestic to an international flight, check whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. Leave enough time between flights — at least 2-3 hours — to calmly pass all formalities without rushing.

Upon entering Nepal through the international terminal of Bhairawa Airport, you will have to pass customs control. If you have no goods to declare, feel free to go through the "Green Channel". If you are carrying something valuable or in quantities exceeding the limit, use the "Red Channel" and fill out a declaration. Keep receipts for expensive purchases.

To save time, check in online if your airline provides such an option. Prices for food and beverages at the airport are usually higher, so you may want to have a snack beforehand. Also, research transfer options to your hotel in advance — pre-booking often helps save money and avoid unnecessary hassle upon arrival.

Flight delays, especially in Nepal, can happen due to weather conditions. In this case, ensure your phone and power bank are fully charged. Have a book with you or download movies. Ask the airline representative about your rights: provision of food or accommodation depending on the length of the delay. Having travel insurance can also be very useful.