traffic and one for domestic traffic. The international terminal can handle up to 1350 departing passengers per hour, though it has been handling 2200 per hour at peak hours to suit the increasing demand of passengers. A terminal for VIP guests is also operated by the Government of Nepal, where international state guests are welcomed. There are plans to construct a separate terminal for helicopter transportation. Radisson Hotel Kathmandu operates an executive lounge for first and business class passengers for several airlines and Thai Airways operates a Royal Thai Silk lounge for its business-class passengers, as well as Star Alliance Gold card holders. There is a duty-free shop in the departure area, and tea, coffee, and confectionery outlets that serve international travellers including A.B.P. Mart, Karki Multiple Trade and Suppliers. There are also baggage help desk, senior citizens and mother room, banking services and pre-paid taxi services to assist the travelling passengers at the terminal building. The domestic terminal is located to the northern side of the airport, can be accessed using Free Shuttle Service from the airport main gate. In its temporary building, the domestic terminal has set aside 289 square metres for airline offices, 282 square metres for restaurants, and 58 square metres for lavatories. The terminal has a capacity of 765 passengers per hour. Aircraft Maintenance Nepal Airlines operates a large hangar between the international and domestic terminals. There are plans to upgrade and move this facility to the eastern side of the airside. Buddha Air operates a closed door hangar facility, which can accommodate narrow-body aircraft at the eastern side of the airport. Location and access Tribhuvan International Airport is located from Pashupatinath Temple and east of the city center and main tourist area Thamel. The nearest hotel is Airport Hotel located about from the airport gate. It is in the middle of the junction of three ancient cities namely Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan. The airport is connected to major parts of Kathmandu valley by the ring road. Airlines and destinations Passenger Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, and Sita Air also provide daily mountain sightseeing flights or Mount Everest sightseeing flights out of Tribhuvan International Airport. They usually depart from the domestic terminal in the early morning hours and return to the airport one hour later. The helicopter operators Air Dynasty, Manang Air, Prabhu Helicopter, Simrik Air, Shree Airlines and Fishtail Air offer helicopter operations out of