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Gautam Buddha International Airport

Siddharthanagar (Bhairahawa), Nepal
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Nepal's second international gateway near the Buddha's birthplace.

Opened
2022
Location
Bhairahawa (Siddharthanagar), Nepal
Gautam Buddha International Airport (IATA: BWA, ICAO: VNBW) is located in Bhairahawa (Siddharthanagar) in the Rupandehi District of Lumbini Province, southern Nepal. It serves as a key entry point for pilgrims and tourists visiting Lumbini, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), situated approximately 22 kilometres from the airport. The airport underwent major reconstruction and expansion under a Chinese-assisted project, transforming it from a domestic facility into a full international airport. It was officially inaugurated as an international airport in May 2022, featuring a new terminal building capable of handling significantly more passengers than the old structure. The facility is managed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) and is intended to reduce pressure on Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu by offering an alternative international gateway in the Terai region.
Terminals
The airport has a single modern international terminal building constructed as part of the Chinese-assisted expansion project completed in 2022.
Getting to & from
The airport is connected to Bhairahawa city and the broader Lumbini area by road, with taxis and local buses serving as the primary ground transport options.
Airlines here
Airlines operating or having operated services include Buddha Air, Shree Airlines, and select international carriers on seasonal or charter routes connecting to regional destinations.
Notable facts
  • ›Named after Gautam Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama), whose birthplace Lumbini is approximately 22 km away.
  • ›Officially inaugurated as an international airport on May 16, 2022.
  • ›The expansion was built with Chinese government assistance and financing.
  • ›It is Nepal's second international airport after Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
  • ›The airport is intended to serve the large volume of Buddhist pilgrims visiting the Lumbini heritage site.
Wikipedia
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.

Route map (1 destinations)

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Airlines serving this airport

Air Togo
YT
Yeti Airways
YT

Routes

BWA → KTMYT · J41
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City & Place Guide

Gateway to Lumbini, Nepal's vibrant southern border trade hub.

Siddharthanagar, commonly known as Bhairahawa, is a bustling commercial city in the Rupandehi District of Province No. 5, situated near the Indian border crossing at Sunauli. It serves as the primary gateway for travelers heading to Lumbini, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, making it a significant transit and pilgrimage hub.

The city has grown rapidly as a trade center, with a lively bazaar culture and a mix of Nepali, Tharu, and Indian cultural influences. Gautam Buddha International Airport connects Bhairahawa to Kathmandu and international destinations, boosting its role in religious tourism.

Beyond its transit function, Bhairahawa offers an authentic slice of Terai life, with colorful markets, local temples, and easy access to the surrounding plains. It is a practical and affordable base for exploring the broader Lumbini region.

  • •Lumbini Sacred Garden — birthplace of the Buddha with the Maya Devi Temple and Ashoka Pillar.
  • •World Peace Pagoda — gleaming white stupa offering panoramic views over Lumbini.
  • •Monastic Zone — dozens of international monasteries representing Buddhist traditions worldwide.
  • •Tilaurakot — ancient ruins believed to be the childhood palace of Prince Siddhartha.
  • •Sunauli Border Crossing — lively Nepal-India border town with bustling market energy.
  • •Bhairahawa Bazaar — colorful local market perfect for textiles, spices, and street food.

Getting around: Bhairahawa is best navigated by auto-rickshaw or tempo for short hops within the city, while taxis and private jeeps are ideal for reaching Lumbini or Tilaurakot. No urban rail exists; intercity buses connect to Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Indian border towns. Motorcycle rentals are available for independent exploration of the flat Terai terrain.

Best time: October through March offers the most comfortable weather, with cool, dry days ideal for sightseeing and outdoor pilgrimage walks.

Local food: Try dal bhat with local Terai-style curries, tharu cuisine featuring fermented fish and bamboo shoots, and fresh sweets from roadside mithai shops near the bazaar.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.

Passport, Visa & Immigration

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Gautam Buddha International Airport
Encyclopaedia

Gautam Buddha International Airport — also known as Bhairahawa Airport — is an international airport located in Siddharthanagar serving Lumbini in Lumbini Province, as well as the Butwal﹣Siddharthanagar urban agglomeration in Nepal. In May 2022, it became Nepal's second international airport, after previously only handling domestic services.

Read full article on Wikipedia

Latest news

Nepalnews.com· 9/30/2026
Gautam Buddha International Airport sits idle; private sector investments hang in balance
Read at Nepalnews.com
Ratopati· 9/30/2026
Gautam Buddha International Airport Awaits Regular International Flights Amidst Business Concerns
Read at Ratopati
Khabarhub· 7/8/2026
Gautam Buddha International Airport remains deserted four years after opening
Read at Khabarhub
Deshsanchar· 9/30/2026
Gautam Buddha Airport awaits regular international flights after 4.5 years operational
Read at Deshsanchar
The Himalayan Times· 6/26/2026
Minister Paudel reaffirms commitment to full operation of Gautam Buddha International Airport
Read at The Himalayan Times
Ekantipur· 8/17/2026
Investors who based their investments on Gautam Buddha Airport are on the verge of bankruptcy: MP Agrawal
Read at Ekantipur

Entity data from open aviation datasets (OurAirports, OpenFlights) with AI-assisted editorial clearly marked. Always confirm time-sensitive details with the official airport website. Sources & verification