Tourist Arrivals Surge by 23% at Lukla Airport in 2023

In 2023, tourist arrivals at Tenzing Hillary Airport, also known as Lukla Airport, in Lukla, a popular spot in Nepal's Solukhumbu district, rose by 23% compared to 2022. Umesh Panthi, head of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal's Lukla office, said 133,274 tourists used air services in 2023, up from 115,011 in 2022 - an increase of 31,773. Panthi said most air service users are foreign tourists.

He added that the influx of foreign visitors to Khumbu saw a notable rise during 2023's off-season. Lukla Airport, the gateway to the Everest region, had a surge in air service use. Amrit Magar, Tara Airlines' Lukla station in-charge, said many foreign tourists accessing Khumbu reach Lukla by air from Kathmandu or Ramechhap, before trekking uphill. He said most tourists rely on air due to no road access. Some travel to the district headquarters via Salleri and Thamdanda, continuing on foot to Lukla. Roads have reached other local levels, but not Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality. Lhakpachiri Sherpa, the rural municipality's spokesperson, said efforts are underway to extend the road there in the current fiscal year. "Once connected, tourists won't rely solely on air services," Sherpa said.

Further, in 2023, over 928 tons of cargo were transported to Lukla. Panthi said 928,984 kg, or 928.98 tons, of food, construction supplies, clothing, and more were airlifted to Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality-2. Mingachiri Sherpa, the rural municipality's chairman, said air is a reliable transportation method since there is no road access. The materials were transported by airplanes and helicopters.

Lukla Airport - Some Facts

Here are some key facts about Lukla Airport in Nepal:

• Lukla Airport is located in the town of Lukla in northeastern Nepal, part of the Solukhumbu district. It sits at an elevation of 9,383 feet (2,860 m). It was renamed as Tenzing-Hillary Airport in 2008 in honor of Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary.
• The airport was built in 1964 AD under the supervision of Sir Edmund Hillary.
• The airport is owned and operated by the Nepalese government's Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal.
• The airport is renowned as the gateway to Mount Everest and the Khumbu region, serving those on trekking and mountaineering expeditions in the area.
• It is rated as one of the most dangerous and extreme airports in the world due to its short runway and challenging approach and departure paths surrounded by mountains.
• The runway is only 1,729 feet (527 m) long and slopes uphill at a 12% grade. It ends in a steep mountainside drop-off.
• Due to the difficult flying conditions, only certain highly skilled pilots are permitted to fly in and out of Lukla.
• Due to high altitude, aircraft can only take off at Lukla with reduced payload weight and must land downhill due to reduced engine performance.
• The airport has a limited electricity supply and no runway lights. Some markers help pilots orient themselves.
• Its single terminal building has basic facilities like check-in counters, a waiting area, baggage handling, and a small restaurant.
• Due to one-way in, and one-way out flight paths, aircraft cannot cross or overtake each other at the airport.
• Many Nepali pilots consider landing at Lukla their most challenging flight experience due to its extreme terrain challenges.
• Documentary TV shows like the BBC's "World's Most Dangerous Airports" have featured Lukla Airport.
• The Nepal Airline Twin Otters that primarily service Lukla have special high lift devices and vortex generators added for safe flying.
• The airport can only accommodate small STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) aircraft like Twin Otters and helicopters. Jets cannot access the airport.
• Weather conditions like fog, rain, snow, and wind often lead to flight delays and cancellations. The airport may close with little notice.