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Lukla Airport

Lukla Airport, officially known as Tenzing-Hillary Airport, is one of the most famous airports in the world. Located in the Khumbu region of Nepal, it serves as the main gateway for trekkers and climbers heading toward Mount Everest. The Lukla airport is positioned at an altitude of 2,860 meters (9,383 feet) above sea level

Lukla Airport, also known as Tenzing-Hillary Airport, is one of the most famous airports in the world

The airport is widely known for its dramatic setting, short runway, and breathtaking mountain views. For many adventurers, flying into Lukla is an unforgettable part of their journey.

What Makes Lukla Airport Unique

  • Extremely short runway (just 527 meters)
  • Steep slope to aid aircraft landing and takeoff
  • Surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks
  • Primary access point for Everest Base Camp trekkers
  • Lukla Airport was built in 1964 to support trekking and mountaineering expeditions in the Everest region. Initially, the runway was just a dirt strip used by small aircraft.
  • The airport was later renamed after Sir Edmund Hillary, one of the first climbers to summit Mount Everest.
  • A typical flight from Kathmandu or Ramechhap lasts 25–35 minutes

Airlines Operating at Lukla Airport

Several domestic carriers provide regular service to Tenzing-Hillary Airport, each specialising in mountain aviation with crews trained specifically for high-altitude operations. Current airlines operating flights include:

  • Tara Air operates the majority of flights using Dornier 228 and Twin Otter aircraft
  • Summit Air provides additional capacity with similar aircraft types during peak seasons
  • Sita Air supplements service during high-volume periods with varying seasonal schedules
  • Nepal Airlines occasionally operates flights based on demand and aircraft availability

All carriers maintain mandatory mountain flying certifications and coordinate morning departure times to maximize safe weather windows between 6:00 and 10:00 AM.

Guide de voyage Petit Futé

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