Published in: 18th Jun, 2019

Lukla airport (LUA) is located at Chaurikharka Municipality of Solukhumbu district (Province No. 1) of Nepal. This is also known as the Tenzing Hillary Airport of Nepal. A 30 minutes flight from Kathmandu will take you to Lukla. The flight to the Lukla airport of Nepal runs from Kathmandu and Ramechhap. Several airlines like Tara Airlines, Sita Airlines and Summit Airlines operate the daily flights. Perched on the side of mountains, Lukla airport is considered as the gateway to Everest.

Background of Lukla Airport

This airport was built in 1964 by Sir Edmund Hillary with the support of “Himalayan Trust Fund Edmund Hillary”. It is operating since September 1971. Despite its early establishment, the runway was paved in 2001. Later in 2008, on the basis of the name of the 1st climbers on Everest, it got popularity as “Tenzing – Hillary Airport”.

In the initial phase, the idea was about raising an alternative airport in Syangboche (near Namche Bazaar). The mass protest of locals against the idea later amended with the development of Lukla Airport. Similarly, the airport’s value inclined as the certainty of the development of tourism in the Khumbu region. On one hand, the arrival of a large number of tourists threatens the ecology of Sagarmatha National Park. On the contrary, it generates a true economic benefit for the Sherpas and other residents that helps in raising the living standard.

Lukla as the most dangerous airport in the world

Lukla airport is regarded as the deadliest airport in the world due to its altitude and geographical structure. It is the busiest domestic airport. This airport lies in the elevation of nearly 9,338 feet (2846 meters) with a little descent before landing. It has a tiny lane of 1,729 feet long. There is only one runway that slopes upward into the side of the mountain. This incline assists to slow down the landing aircraft and give speed to the aircraft taking off. Analyzing the last 10 years data, more than 20 people died in the Lukla plane crash. The major reason is poor Visibility, change in weather conditions. It is one the deadliest airport in the world.

Present Condition of Lukla Airport

Year by year, the development of the airport and Khumbu area is growing gradually. The paved runway with a dimension is 527m 30 m. works for both arrival and departure. The runway designation is 06 (for landing) and 24 (for takeoff). It has a parking capacity of 4 small aircraft. Depending upon the weather, trekking and mountaineering season, required number of flights per day took place in Lukla airport.

As there is no navigation equipment, the pilots perform take-off and landing focusing exclusively visually. Tourist seasons, i.e. spring and autumn are the busiest period. One has to go through Lukla airport for Everest expedition. The alternative Lukla consists of two alternatives: fly through helicopter (for $500), or hike through some other villages and find the transport that usually runs in Jiri, Phaplu or Salleri. This may take at least 3-4 days.

Weather in Lukla

There is no certainty of flight due to the changing environment. The flights are usually operated early in the morning. In the mid and late morning, the airport regularly closes due to the strong southwest winds. Loss of visibility, preventing planes from landing under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) result in the urgent closure of the airport without any information. The changing environment and the falling fog on the runway can result in a crash.

Fatalities in Lukla: Possible Causes

Lukla Airport in Nepal lies in the high altitude. Surrounded by mountains and at an altitude of 2860 m, the weather and geographical challenges are the major cause, making it the most dangerous airport in the world. The Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla not only have short runway but also have weather difficulties. The sheer wind and poor visibility, air density in the high altitude, poor weather contribute to some casualties sometimes. However, efficient pilots and aircraft manage to make a safe landing despite the challenges. This is the major gateway to legendary Everest base camp trek. The alternative to Lukla takes multiple days trekking all the way to Everest. But Trekkers do not prefer to trek to Lukla as it is not so popular and further trek to the top of the world becomes more problematic.

Lukla is a place of danger, not every time, but in poor weather conditions. The sudden changes in the weather make it uncertain and difficult. However, the flight to Lukla is still an adventurous one.

Hotel and Accommodations around Lukla Airport

Lukla airport assists many domestic and international tourists to reach the Everest region. Lukla is now the large trekkers’ town. The area is a bit advanced regarding accommodations of western standards. Most of the locals provide homestay facilities. One can find the varieties of shops (handicrafts, dairy products, trekking requisites) over there.

Banking and Health Facilities near Lukla Airport

Banking transactions such as ATM and currency exchange are available. Several banks such as Rashtriya Banijya Bank, Nepal Investment Bank Limited, Nepal Bank, etc. are available there. There is a community health post. Private ownership pharmacies, including medical experts, are also available.

Although Lukla airport of Nepal is the dangerous airport in the world, Lukla airport provides airways facilities to the trekkers around the globe. Local people gain beneficiaries either economically or socially. Hence, Lukla airport aid to the tourism flourishment in the country.