Quick facts
| Official name | Tenzing-Hillary Airport |
| Elevation | About 2,845 m |
| Runway | About 527 m long and 30 m wide |
| Runway slope | 11.7% |
| Aircraft | Helicopters and small short-takeoff planes such as the Twin Otter |
| Operating conditions | Daylight flights, weather permitting |
Why it has such a reputation
The runway is short and steep, with high ground beyond one end and a drop at the other. Wikipedia's airport page notes that no go-around procedure is available, so pilots can't simply try again once they're committed to landing. It also says that pilots flying there need specific experience, including flights with a certified instructor.
A 2010 History Channel programme called it "the most dangerous airport in the world". That phrase gets repeated a lot, but it's a TV description and not an official ranking.
Kathmandu or Ramechhap?
Your ticket may not leave from Kathmandu. According to Wikipedia, most Lukla flights were operating from Ramechhap (Manthali) as of October 2022, and operators report the same pattern in peak seasons. Ramechhap is closer, with a flight time of about 20 minutes, but you'll have a road journey from Kathmandu first, so ask what time you'd need to leave.
This changes each year, so check your departure airport, and how you'll get there, before you book your hotel. Also check that your quote includes the transfer.
Weather and delays
Flights depend on visibility, and they can be cancelled at short notice. Flights run under visual rules, so low cloud can stop them. Delays can happen in any season, and one source says that about half of flights are cancelled in the monsoon, although that's a travel blog's figure and not an official one.
- Allow spare days. We suggest at least two days between your planned Lukla return and your flight home.
- Book flexible international tickets, if you can.
- Ask about helicopter options. A shared helicopter can sometimes fly when small planes can't, but it costs extra, and helicopters also need acceptable weather.
- Carry snacks, layers and a book. You may spend hours waiting at the airport.
Luggage limits
Small aircraft have tight limits, and the rules vary by airline. Check your own ticket and pack light. Extra bags may be charged, and they may arrive on a later flight. Keep essentials in your hand luggage, including medicines, warm layers and documents.
Is it safe?
It's a serious operation in hard terrain, and there have been fatal accidents. Wikipedia lists crashes including Yeti Airlines Flight 101 in 2008, in which 18 people died, and a 2019 runway accident in which three people died. We couldn't find a reliable accident rate, so we won't give you one.
The UK government notes that no Nepali airline currently meets the international safety standards needed to fly in UK airspace, and it advises checking the UK Air Safety List when choosing whether to fly and with which airline. Read about other risks on the Everest trek too.
Altitude after landing
You land at about 2,845 m, far higher than Kathmandu, and then usually descend to Phakding on the first day. That gentle first day helps. Don't rush it, even if you feel fine at first. Read our altitude sickness guide.
Ways to avoid flying
| Option | What it means |
|---|---|
| Walk from lower down | Our Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek follows the old approach route on foot and takes longer |
| Drive and walk | Some people use roads towards Salleri and then walk in. Check conditions and time with your operator |
| Choose another region | Our Langtang Valley Trek starts by road, with no domestic flight |
How to plan your trip around Lukla
A good Everest plan treats the flight as the least certain part of the journey. Our 15-day itinerary has a preparation day in Kathmandu before you fly, and it brings you back the day before your departure, but we still suggest adding spare time before your flight home.
| Question to ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Which airport does my flight leave from? | It changes your hotel and how early you must get up |
| Is the road transfer to Ramechhap included? | It's a real extra cost and journey |
| What happens if we wait for days? | Rooms, meals and guide time can add up |
| Can we switch to a helicopter, and at what price? | It's best to know the price before you need it |
Tips for the day
- Follow your guide's instructions at check-in, and stay close to your group.
- Keep your passport and permits accessible.
- Use the toilet before boarding. Planes are small, with no facilities.
- Don't panic if a flight is delayed. It's a normal part of Everest trekking.
Common questions
How long is the flight?
It's short. One source gives about 20 minutes from Ramechhap. Ask your operator for the time from your departure airport, and remember that waiting is often the longest part of the day.
What happens if my flight is cancelled?
You'll usually move to the next available flight. Ask your operator what extra costs you'd have to cover for hotels and meals.
Next steps
See how we plan for this on our Everest Base Camp Trek, read how many days you need, or ask us about current flights.
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