A 30 to 40-minute flight from Kathmandu will take us to Lukla, a small town at the foot of Mt. Everest. One of the world’s most dangerous airports in Lukla is the gateway to the Everest region. Also known by the name Tenzing Hillary airport, this little airport at Lukla has a short runway. However, as many as 50 flights take off and land here each day during peak seasons.

The alternatives to reach Lukla require several days of trekking. To cut short the time period, hikers normally take a flight to Lukla and begin trekking from there. The world-famous airport at Lukla is characteristic in the sense that it was the local villagers’ active contribution, rather than the government of Nepal. Sir Edmund Hillary, who first summited Mt. Everest with Tenzing Sherpa, felt reaching the trailhead took a long time. In fact, the active participation and contribution of the local villagers made it all possible.

Tenzing Hillary Airport

Lukla airport got the name of Tenzing Hillary Airport in the year 2008. And the reason is very obvious to all of us. To honor Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Sherpa, the airport got its name. It was during the year 1953. The airport actually came into operation in September 1971 only. There is no doubt that this is a very small, yet a busy airport. Luka airport is one of the most dangerous airports in the world. The entire adventure travelers know this fact. And the reason is its location and short runway.

Meanwhile, Nepal’s infamous airport at Lukla has many interesting facts and history. These facts make it unique from the rest of the world’s airports. The strip sits on a mountainside at an altitude of 2,800m (9,186ft.). The asphalt runway is only 527m (1,729ft.) long and 20m (65ft.) wide with 12 degrees slope from north to south. Trekking route to Everest base camp starts from Lukla.

Lukla Weather

What seems challenging about Lukla airport is the unpredictable weather conditions. Flight cancelations are frequent incidences, usually during bad weather settings. Moreover, there’s no advanced equipment such as radar systems and air navigation at Lukla airport. The weather here can deteriorate in matter of minutes. Clouds can build up very quickly thereby making the visibility very low. Handling of an airplane in airport at high altitude like Luka pose threats owing to the low air pressure. Evidently, Kathmandu to Lukla flights take off early in the mornings, only when the sky is clear.

Lukla Airport

There have been several mishaps at Lukla airport in the past, owing to the short runway, fluctuating weather, and uneven topography. The pilots perform take-off and landing visually as there is no navigation equipment. Abrupt closure of the airport is quite common due to the loss of visibility under the Visibility Flight Rules (VFR). The inconsistent weather and the falling fog on the short runway increases the chances of crashing.

On the contrary, in case of good weather, the flight to Lukla is thrilling and enthralling. The scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (on a clear bright day) adds the real meaning of natural magnificence to every traveler’s soul. Spectacular views of mountains and variegated landscapes of the Himalayas will greet you whole-heartedly!

Safety standards for Lukla flights

Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flights usually take off during early mornings, that is, when the skies are clear. And the airport regularly closes from mid to late morning when the strong south-west winds create crosswind or tailwinds. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has set high standards for pilots to overcome the difficulties of successful landing. According to these standards, only experienced pilots who have completed at least 100 short take-off and landing (STOL) flights. In addition, the pilots must have completed ten flights into Lukla with a certified instructor.

Interesting facts about Lukla Airport

1. As many as 50 flights take off and land at Lukla airport, especially during the peak trekking and climbing seasons.
2. The renaming of Lukla airport to Tenzing Hillary Airport in 2008 was to honor Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay – the first confirmed persons to reach the summit of Mt. Everest.
3. Considering the altitude and geographical location besides its short runway, Lukla is one of the most dangerous airports in the world.
4. At one end of Lukla airport, there is a huge mountainous wall, and a steep drop into the valley below at the other end.
5. Before the construction of airport in Lukla, the only way to Lukla from Kathmandu was traveling by road to Jiri, and then hike to Lukla in about 5 days.
6. In 1964, Lukla airport was born but operations did not start until 1971. And black-top paving began only in 2001.
7. The short runway at Lukla airport has a total length of 527m (1,729ft.) and a breadth of 20m (65ft.). This can cause difficulty in the landing and take-offs of the aircrafts.