Lukla Airport: What You Need to Know Before Flying

Lukla Airport, popularly known as Tenzing-Hillary Airport, is the gateway to various treks in the Everest region. Located in the Solukhumbu district of Nepal, Lukla Airport is the first stop for trekkers and climbers looking to attempt Everest Base Camp and then the summit.

A flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is one of the most thrilling experiences in the Everest Base Camp Trek. Particularly, it’s one of the shortest and sloping runways (527 m/1729 ft), and high altitude and challenging Himalayan terrain make the flight dangerous yet adrenaline-pumping.

Meanwhile, the Lukla Airport cliff drops are surely going to be the most adventurous experience of your trek. However, rest assured, you will be in the hands of some of the most skilled pilots with special training to land here.

Where is Lukla Airport?

Lukla Airport is located in Lukla, Neal, in the Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality of Solukhumbu District, Nepal.

Situated at an elevation of 2840 meters (9318 ft) above sea level, the airport is about 136 km (85 miles) northeast of the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu.

The only way to Lukla is by a 30- 35-minute flight. Or, a long and tiresome trek to Everest Base Camp (EBC) via Jiri is an option.

Lukla Airport Elevation

The Lukla Airport (Tenzing-Hillary Airport), at an elevation of 2840 meters, is one of the highest-elevation airports in the world. This flight offers a stimulating and unique experience through the window of your aeroplane.

Its high altitude, challenging landscapes, and weather make landing and takeoffs really difficult, giving it a reputation as one of the world’s most challenging airports.

Additionally, thin air at such an altitude reduces lift, making flight operations difficult. For such flights, the pilots must be and are well-trained.

Not to exclude, your health is equally important. At such elevation, passengers could experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness. So, we recommend spending some time in Lukla and acclimatizing.

Weather at Lukla Airport

Lukla Airport experiences some of the worst unpredictable weather.

Due to being at a high altitude, the weather conditions may become sudden. A sunny morning may become a foggy afternoon. In addition, the airport is subjected to strong winds and heavy rains, especially during the monsoon.

These weather conditions can greatly impact the operation time of the airport.

The best time for Lukla’s flight is early morning flight, especially during the spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) seasons.

Winter flights are obstructed due to snowfall and extremely cold climates. However, snow-capped mountain views during this season in the Everest region are the best.

While, due to mist and fog, monsoon flights generally get cancelled.

Airport Open and Close Schedule

Generally, Lukla flights are operated during the morning as morning weather conditions are more stable. However, it can operate from sunrise to sunset (around 6 am to 3 pm) if the weather is favorable and needed.

Night-time flights are not operated as they do not have a control tower or a proper lighting system.

The airport remains operational year-round but frequently gets cancelled or delayed due to bad weather.

Lukla Airport Distance

As mentioned before, Lukla is about 136 km (85 miles) northeast of Kathmandu.

Though the distance is not so much, the lack of accessibility by roadways necessitates taking flights. A short yet exciting 30-35-minute flight will take you to the entry point for the EBC trek and other treks in the Khumbu region, such as the Everest Three Passes Trek and the Everest View Trek.

Alternatively, trekkers can take a private or public vehicle to Jiri or Phaplu and trek to Lukla or around the Everest region. If you take this route, your trek can extend by 5-7 days.

Why Is Lukla So Dangerous?

Lukla Airport is one of the most dangerous mountain airports in the world. It is especially known for one of the shortest runways in the world, just 527 meters long and 30 meters wide. There is a 12% gradient, meaning the pilots have to make an uphill landing and a downhill takeoff, making the Lukla flight challenging.

Likewise, its only 06/24 runway orientation makes flights tricky. Runway 06, used for landing, faces a steep mountain wall, while Runway 24, onto which aircraft take off, falls away into a valley. It is the only runway in Lukla Airport.

Besides, due to the high altitude, the air pressure is quite low compared to sea level. This limits the required upthrust and reduces engine power in order to fly at such an altitude.

Furthermore, sudden fog, strong winds, and storms limit visibility, which can cause unprecedented accidents. Also, since there is no going around, as the airport is surrounded by mountains, it gives the pilot one shot to land.

We cannot rule out the absence of radar, a modern control tower, or an International Landing System (ILS). Due to this, the flights are completely dependent on the pilot’s visual sight.

Lukla Airport Crash and Accident Rate

Lukla Airport has witnessed multiple accidents over the decades due to its challenging terrain, unpredictable weather, and short runway.

Despite improved regulations and only allowing highly trained pilots to operate flights, the unpredictable weather and short runways continue to pose dangers.

Some Notable Lukla Airport Crash and Accidents

Here are some notable crash and accidents.

• November 1973: A Royal Nepal Airlines DHC-6 Twin Otter 300 aircraft crashed while landing, but all passengers survived.
• May 2004: A Twin Otter of Yeti Airlines was damaged beyond repair in a landing accident.
• October 2004: A Yeti Airlines Twin Otter met with an accident due to bad weather, but no fatalities were recorded.
• September 2005: A Sita Air Dornier 228 crashed during takeoff due to a technical failure, but all crew and passengers survived.
• October 2008: A Yeti Airlines Twin Otter (Flight 103) crashed due to low visibility while attempting to land. The aircraft caught fire, killing 18 people, including 12 German trekkers. The pilot was the sole survivor.
• August 2010: An Agni Air Dornier 228 crashed near Shikharpur while attempting to return to Kathmandu due to bad weather. All 14 people on board, including four Americans, one Briton, and one Japanese national, were killed.
• May 2012: An Agni Air Dornier 228 suffered an engine failure during landing, but all passengers survived.
• September 2012: Sita Air Flight 601 crashed shortly after takeoff from Kathmandu while en route to Lukla, killing all 19 passengers and crew. The plane hit a vulture and lost engine power.
• May 2017: A Summit Air aircraft skidded off the runway. The plane was severely damaged, but no casualties were reported.
• April 2019: A Summit Air Let L-410 attempted takeoff but veered off the runway, crashing into a parked helicopter. Three people, including the co-pilot and two police officers, died in the accident.
• October 2023: A Manang Air helicopter crash-landed near Lukla due to strong winds, but all passengers survived with injuries.
• Other Notable Incidents: Aeroplanes have encountered several accidents, such as skidding runways and minor crashes caused by adverse weather combined with challenging landings.

Quick Facts on Lukla Airport

• Though the airport was built in 1964, it has only been operational since 1971.
• Lukla Airport was renamed Tenzing-Hillary Airport in January 2008 in honor of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa.
• It has a runway length of just 527 meters (1729 ft).
• The airport is situated at an elevation of 2840 meters (9318 ft).
• They do not have an air traffic control tower.
• It is one of the six most extreme airports in the world, as per Artemis Aerospace.
• Annually, over 30,000 trekkers fly into Lukla Airport.

Lukla Airport FAQs

How Many People Have Died at Lukla Airport?

Over the decades, there have been several minor and major incidents at Lukla Airport, with over 50-57 recorded deaths.

Is Lukla Airport safe?

Lukla flight is considered safe under clear weather conditions. However, the short runway, tricky mountainous landscapes, and unpredictable weather make this airport risky.

Is Lukla Airport the highest in the world?

No, Lukla Airport is not the highest in the world, but it is one of the six most dangerous airports in the world.

Why is Lukla Airport Busy?

It is the most popular entry point for treks in the Everest region, and only about 10-15 flights are operable daily under favourable weather. The carrying limit of aeroplanes is also just around 160. So, due to limited seats and flights, the airport is usually busy, especially during peak trekking season.

Why do flights to Lukla often get cancelled?

The flights to Lukla can be cancelled or delayed due to bad weather, wind, and low visibility.

What type of aircraft fly to Lukla?

Small aircraft such as Twin Otters and Dornier Do 228 planes, capable of short takeoffs and landings, are able to fly to Lukla.

Is a helicopter landing allowed at Lukla?

Yes, helicopter tours taking to EBC are allowed to land at Lukla.

What is Lukla Airport ICAO Code?

An International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), or location indicator, is a four-letter code to identify airports and other aviation facilities worldwide for controlling air traffic and operations.

Can I book a private flight to Lukla?

Yes, you can book a private flight to Lukla. Besides comfort and flexible travel schedules, these private flights are quite expensive.

Are there any night flights to Lukla?

No, airport remains closed at night.