Yeti Airlines
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"Always late, quaint and scenic!"
We’ve flown with Yeti Airlines dozens of times, and while options are limited within Nepal, Yeti consistently proves to be more reliable than Buddha or Royal Nepali Airlines, especially since it services smaller, remote airports. That said, delays are more common than on-time departures, largely due to the heavy traffic and logistical constraints at Kathmandu’s high-altitude airport—something that’s out of the airline’s hands. Most of the flights are operated by older Gulfstream turbo-prop aircraft seating about 35 passengers. While basic and a bit worn, the planes are generally clean and safe, and flights have always been uneventful for us. For the best experience, grab a window seat on the north-facing side of the plane for spectacular views of the Annapurna range and the Himalayas. A trick to getting the right seat: be last on the shuttle bus and first out the door to board—this gives you the edge in choosing your spot. Expect tight seating and the old-school experience of watching your bag get manually loaded onto the aircraft—it’s a throwback to what flying might’ve felt like 80 years ago. Flights are short (Nepalgunj in 50 minutes, Butwal in 38), but what might sting for foreign travelers is the triple fare charged compared to Nepali or Indian nationals. While this pricing system is common in South Asia, it can feel unfair from a Western perspective. Still, Yeti Airlines remains our go-to carrier in Nepal, offering access to places many others don’t reach, with decent service and unforgettable aerial views.
"Awful awful awful – do not book"
I booked the 2:40 PM flight today on the Yeti Air app because it best suited my schedule, even though it was more expensive than the 4:40 PM option. When I arrived at the airport, I was informed that the 2:40 PM flight had been canceled days ago, and I had been automatically moved to the later flight. If the flight was canceled days in advance, why was it still available for booking on the app—and at a higher price? This felt completely misleading and unprofessional. Not only did it waste my time and disrupt my plans, but it also left a very poor impression of how the airline is managed. Travelers deserve transparency and accurate information when booking, especially when paying a premium.
"Cute Green Yeti Airlines !"
We recently flew with Yeti Airlines on both sectors—Kathmandu to Pokhara and back to Kathmandu—as part of our Nepal trip. The flight duration was a short 40 minutes on an ATR aircraft, and the entire experience was smooth and efficient. The ground staff and cabin crew were courteous and helpful, making the journey even more pleasant. A great advantage for international travelers is the 20 kg check-in baggage allowance on domestic routes, which is generous compared to other carriers. The aircraft was clean and well maintained, and the service was commendable. Overall, a reliable and comfortable option for short domestic flights in Nepal.
"Flights NEVER on time!"
Our travel agency booked Yeti Airlines for our journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara to save time on the road, especially since we had a senior citizen with us. We were informed that flights ran every hour and that we needed to arrive 2 hours early for check-in and boarding. We arrived well in advance, but the airport was overcrowded, with no proper seating—we ended up sitting on the floor. To make things worse, the airport wasn’t air-conditioned, adding to the discomfort. Unfortunately, the flight was delayed by 2 hours, making our total wait time nearly 4 hours at the airport. Adding the one-hour flight, the journey took over 5 hours—defeating the entire purpose of flying. We hoped the return journey would be smoother, but it was equally frustrating. Delays again, and no proper communication. It seems this level of service has become normal for Yeti passengers. Meanwhile, we noticed that Buddha Airlines, which also has hourly flights, was consistently on time. And their ticket prices were nearly the same. Lesson learned: Next time, we’ll book Buddha Airlines instead of Yeti.
"Worst worst worst!"
One of the worst airline experiences I’ve ever had. If you’re planning to fly with Yeti Airlines, do yourself a favor and reconsider—you’ll thank me later. I was traveling from Pokhara to Kathmandu and my flight was originally scheduled for 4:50 PM. After checking in at 4:00 PM, I was informed the flight had been delayed to 6:50 PM. Then it was pushed to 8:30 PM, and again to 9:00 PM! I approached the counter to speak with an employee, but to my surprise, he didn’t say a word and just walked away. Completely irresponsible behavior and terrible customer service. Yeti Airlines, please do better. You need to step up your service and take responsibility. This level of chaos and indifference is simply unacceptable.
"Old planes flown by excellent pilots"
The planes used for flights to Lukla, the gateway to Everest Base Camp, are very old and operate much like a bus service for trekkers and climbers. The flight itself can be frightening due to the terrain and weather, but credit where it’s due—the pilots (both ladies and gents) are excellent and highly experienced. On our way up, the flight was canceled due to weather conditions, which made flying impossible. I ended up taking a helicopter instead, but even that isn’t guaranteed—sometimes neither planes nor choppers can fly for days. Important tip: If you're planning to take this route, build in plenty of buffer time before any connecting flights or onward travel. Delays are common, and they’re due to safety—not mismanagement.
"Do not buy tickets"
This is one of the worst airlines I’ve ever experienced. There is no regard for customers, with frequent delays and zero communication about the reasons or updates. If you have time-sensitive travel plans, do yourself a favor and avoid booking with Yeti Airlines.
"Some good, some not so good"
The plane was clean and in good condition. Food was average, though I didn’t expect any on a flight just over an hour. The flight attendants weren’t very communicative, but given the full cabin and short duration, they were understandably busy with meal service. However, the flight departed over 30 minutes late with no explanation given, which was disappointing. A little communication would have gone a long way.
"Like a third world bus trip."
Our flight was significantly delayed due to weather issues in Lukla — understandable — but also because tour groups were prioritized over individual passengers, which was frustrating. The aircraft was very old, with broken seats and barely any legroom, and would likely be grounded in most countries outside Nepal. That said, the flight itself was undeniably exciting, if not entirely confidence-inspiring when it comes to safety.
"Friendly staff."
Flying into and out of Lukla was a truly extraordinary experience. With one of the world’s most challenging landings and takeoffs, the excitement is unmatched. There's no need for inflight entertainment — just look out the windows and take in the breathtaking views!
Yeti Airlines
Yeti Airlines Pvt. Ltd. (Nepali: यती एअरलाइन्स) is a Kathmandu-based airline and one of Nepal's leading domestic carriers. Founded in May 1998, it received its air operator's certificate in August of the same year. Since 2019, it has held the distinction of being the first carbon-neutral airline in Nepal and South Asia. Yeti Airlines is the second-largest domestic airline in Nepal by passengers carried and ranks third by fleet size as of 2024. It also owns Tara Air, which operates flights to remote mountainous areas. The airline is currently banned from flying into EU airspace. In addition to aviation, it is the shirt sponsor of the Himalayan Sherpa Club, a top-tier football team in Nepal.
Address
Yeti Airlines Buddhanagar Kathmandu, Nepal
Website
yetiairlines.com
Email
[email protected]
Telephone
+977 1 571 9100