Lukla Flight Information: Everything Trekkers Need to know

About Lukla Airport: Tenzing Hillary Airport

Lukla Airport was built in 1964 by Nepal Government with the assistance of Sir Edmund Hillary. It is also known as Tenzing-Hillary Airport by honoring the first Everest Summiters; Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgey Sherpa.

Before Lukla airport, trekkers and climbers used to drive to Jiri and trek to Everest base camp from there. The airport has played very crucial role in connecting the remote Khumbu region to the rest of Nepal making the trek and climb more accessible.

The altitude of the airport is 2,845 meters with a short runway of 527 meters. The flights here operate strictly under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). It is considered the most dangerous airport in the world. The runway is flanked by hills on one end and a steep drop on the other, making it one of the most challenging airports for pilots worldwide.

After its completion, it has contributed to tourism in the region, allowing thousands of trekkers to access Everest Base Camp and surrounding areas each year. It has transformed the local economy by providing jobs in tourism, trekking services, and hospitality.

Interesting Facts about Lukla Airport

• It is known as “the most dangerous airport in the world.”
• The flight can only operate during daylight hours.
• Aircraft type: STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) planes only allowed. 

Flight Routes to Lukla

The major flight routes to arrive Lukla are: 

Kathmandu to Lukla Airport (KTM–LUA)

The flight takes around 30–35 minutes from Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport) to Lukla. This is the fastest flight to reach Lukla airport. Domestic flights are served by domestic airlines like Tara Air, Summit Air, and Sita Airlines. 
Morning flights are preferred due to better weather conditions in the mountains. Afternoon flights are riskier because cloud covers and winds increase in the afternoon, leading to cancellations.

Important Note:
During the busy trekking seasons, almost all the flights are operated from Ramechhap Airport (Manthali) instead of Kathmandu.

This change is made because Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu becomes overcrowded, and the limited morning flight window to Lukla (due to weather and visibility) makes it difficult to handle all departures.
Operating from Ramechhap allows airlines to manage flights more efficiently and reduce delays or cancellations, ensuring trekkers reach Lukla on schedule.

Ramechhap/Manthali Airport to Lukla

Ramechhap Airport is an alternative but most common for Lukla flights, especially during peak trekking seasons. Travelers should drive 4 hours from Kathmandu to Ramechhap before boarding the flight. The flight duration around 20 minute. 

4. Lukla Flight Prices

Kathmandu Lukla flight and Ramechhap to Lukla Flight prices might change depending on the season, demand and availability. During peak trekking seasons (March–May and September–November), fares tend to be higher due to heavy traffic and limited flight slots.

Prices are quoted one-way and return flights should be booked together to secure preferred dates and timings.

Booking in advance is highly recommended to secure seats, especially for morning flights, and get better airfare.

Why Ramechhap Flights Are Used in Peak Season

Trekking to the Everest region becomes much more popular during the trekking seasons -spring and autumn, leading to a high increase in the number of flights required between Kathmandu and Lukla, the gateway to Everest Base Camp. 

However, Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) is a busy international and domestic hub, handling hundreds of daily flights. So, uuring the Lukla flight rush, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has decided to move all the flights to Ramechhap (Manthali Airport). 

Main Reasons for Using Ramechhap Airport

• Reducing Air Traffic in Kathmandu: As the only runway at Kathmandu Airport is used for both international and domestic flights, high demand of Lukla flights will lead to delays and cancellations. Moving operations to Ramechhap Airport directly reduces the runway pressure, enabling more balanced and efficient management of domestic flights. 

• Improved Flight Punctuality and Fewer Delays: As Ramechhap Airport is much quieter compared to Kathmandu, airlines can provide early departures in the morning. This means departures can be scheduled without the hold of air traffic control and airlines can maintain their itineraries without delays and cancellations caused by air traffic in Kathmandu.

• Safer and More Reliable Weather Conditions: Flights to Lukla must operate in clear morning weather. In Kathmandu, morning fog or poor visibility often causes delays. Ramechhap, located at a lower altitude and closer to Lukla (approximately 20 minutes’ flight), offers more consistent weather and safer flying conditions.
• Shorter Flight Time to Lukla: From Kathmandu, it takes about 30–35 minutes to reach Lukla, while from Ramechhap, the flight is only 15–20 minutes. The shorter distance allows more flexibility in managing multiple flights each day and increases the likelihood of successful takeoffs before weather deteriorates.
• Better Operational Efficiency for Airlines
  Operating from Ramechhap allows airlines to run multiple rotations to Lukla in one morning, which is difficult from Kathmandu due to limited airspace and timing. This improves efficiency for both the airlines and passengers.

What Travelers Should Know

• Distance from Kathmandu to Ramechhap: Around 132 km which takes around 4-5 hours of drive via BP Highway.
• Transportation: If you have booked the package from the trekking company like Trekking Guide Team, the team will arrange early-morning transfers (around 12–1 AM departure) from Kathmandu to catch the morning flight from Ramechhap.
• Facilities: Ramechhap Airport is small but functional, mainly used for Lukla flights during high season.
• Peak Season Operation Period: Generally, from late September to mid-December, and March to May (depending on traffic and weather conditions).

Safety Measures and Flight Operations at Lukla

Flying to Lukla requires careful planning. Airlines implement several safety measures. The are: 

• Strict adherence to Visual Flight Rules (VFR).
• Flights only operate during daylight hours.
• Experienced pilots trained for STOL operations.
• Continuous weather monitoring and pre-flight checks.

Flights may be delayed or canceled to ensure passenger safety, especially during high winds, heavy rain, or fog. Check the current weather at Lukla Airport (live video) on this live YouTube video to plan your flight.

Lukla Flight Delays and Cancellations

Delays and cancellations are common due to the follwoing reasons:

• Unpredictable mountain weather.
• Wind gusts and low visibility.
• Airport capacity and single runway limitations.

What to Do If Your Lukla Flight is Cancelled?

If your Lukla flight is canceled:

1. Wait for the next available flight - trekking agencies handle rebooking with the airlines. 
2. Take a helicopter flight - If you have tight schedule, taking a helicopter can be the best option. 
3. Trek down to Phaplu and drive to Kathmandu: If your flight keeps getting cancelled due to bad weather and security reasons, this is another option. You can trek down to Phaplu and drive back to Kathmandu by private jeep. 

Tip: Always carry contact numbers of trekking agencies for faster assistance.

Tips for trekkers

• Plan buffer days in your itinerary.
• Always check live flight status before heading to the airport.

Conclusion

Lukla Airport marks the beginning of unforgettable trekking adventures in Nepal. Difficulties in planning and the weather might lead a traveler to prioritize flexibility in scheduling and awareness of the various flight options to avoid unsafe and unpleasant flights to and from this.

Before starting your trek, check the flight status, weather updates, and plan backup options like helicopters. However, the flight to Lukla can become a beautiful scenario in your mind that you won't want to forget on your Everest expedition.

Book your Everest trekking packages with our expert guidance to enjoy a safe, scenic, and memorable experience.

People Also About Lukla Flight Information:

1. Why is Lukla airport considered the most dangerous in the world?

Due to the following reason, Lukla airport is considered the most dangerous in the world:

•  Short, sloped runway surrounded by mountains and cliffs.
• Only visual landing approach allowed.
• Weather can change rapidly.

2. How often are Lukla flights cancelled?

Lukla flights cancellation is most common during monsoon; June, July

3. How many planes land safely every day?

Usually 10 -15 scheduled flights with high safety record under proper weather conditions.

4. Is Lukla the highest airport in the world?

No, it is not the highest; Lukla is 2,845 m, while airports like Daocheng Yading in China are higher.

5. Can I fly to Lukla from other airports other than Kathmandu?

Yes, Ramechhap Airport is a popular alternative. It takes 4 hours of drive to arrive there. 

6. Are helicopter flights reliable during peak season?

Yes, weather permitting, helicopters offer flexibility when fixed-wing flights are delayed.

7. How long is the flight from Kathmandu or Ramechhap to Lukla?

• From Kathmandu to Lukla: around 30 - 35 minutes

• From Ramechhap to Lukla: about 20 minutes.

8. How much does a Lukla flight cost?
The average one-way fare for foreigners is USD 228 per person from Kathmandu and USD 180 from Ramechhap. Prices vary by airline and season.

9. What happens if my Lukla flight is cancelled?
Airlines either reschedule for the next morning or arrange helicopter services (with extra cost). Trekking agencies can assist with rebooking or alternatives

10. What is the luggage allowance for Lukla flights?
Typically 10 kg checked baggage and 5 kg hand carry per passenger. Excess luggage may incur additional charges.

11. When is the best time to fly to Lukla?
The most reliable months are March–May and September–November, when skies are clear and visibility is good.

12. Can I book Lukla flights online?
Yes. Most domestic airlines like Tara Air, Sita Air, and Summit Air allow online bookings. However, during peak season, it’s best to book through a local trekking agency for guaranteed seats.

14. How early should I reach the airport before my Lukla flight?
Travllers should check in at least 1 hour before departure at Ramechhap or Kathmandu Domestic Terminal.

15. Is there any flight from Pokhara to Lukla?
Currently, no direct flights operate between Pokhara and Lukla. All regular flights depart from Kathmandu or Ramechhap.

16. How safe are Lukla flights today?
Modern aircraft, experienced mountain pilots, and strict flight regulations have greatly improved safety. Flights only operate in suitable weather conditions.

17. Can flights operate during rain or clouds?
No. Lukla flights depend entirely on visual conditions. Even minor cloud cover or rain can delay or cancel flights for safety reasons.

18. How early do flights to Lukla start from Ramechhap?
Most flights depart between 6:00-9:00 AM, depending on weather and visibility.

19. Can I get a refund if my Lukla flight is cancelled?
Yes. Airlines generally issue refunds or rescheduling options if flights are cancelled due to weather, as per their policy.

20. Why don’t planes fly over Mount Everest? 

Extreme altitude, strong winds, and turbulence make it risky.