The heart-pounding experience is unlike any other as the plane descends towards Lukla Airport, nestled at an elevation of 2,860 meters (9,334 feet). Officially named after Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, the first climbers to summit Mount Everest, this airport plays a crucial role in Nepal’s adventure tourism industry.
The History Channel featured Lukla Airport in its Most Extreme Airports programme in 2010 and ranked it as the world’s most dangerous for over two decades. But what makes this tiny airport so infamous, with over 150,000 people a year making it their destination?
The airport’s reputation is largely due to its location. Situated in the Khumbu region of Solukhumbu District, it is the nearest airport to Mount Everest Base Camp and serves as the starting point for many trekkers and climbers. A 30-minute flight from Kathmandu also serves as a lifeline for the region’s inhabitants, facilitating the transportation of goods and supplies to otherwise inaccessible villages.
Situated in the Khumbu region of Solukhumbu District, it is the nearest airport to Mount Everest Base Camp. Despite its vital role in tourism and commerce, the runway is a mere 527 metres (1,729 feet) long—one of the shortest in the world. It ends abruptly at a cliff with a steep drop into the valley below, making landings and takeoffs high-stakes manoeuvres. To compensate for the short braking distance, the runway is built at an incline of 11.7%, aiding planes in slowing down upon landing and gaining momentum during takeoff.
The altitude and thin air require planes to land at higher speeds. Small aircraft such as the De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter and Dornier 228, as well as helicopters, are the only ones capable of operating under these conditions.
Moreover, CAAN (Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal) is regulating and only experienced pilots with over 100 STOL (short takeoff and landing) missions, a year of STOL experience in Nepal, and ten supervised landings at Lukla are certified to land there.
A vision of Sir Edmund Hillary, Lukla Airport came about after his successful ascent of Everest in 1953, to improve access to the Khumbu region. Originally, he intended to build the airport on flat farmland, but local farmers were reluctant to give up their land. Eventually purchasing a plot from Sherpas for $2,650, he built the airport on uneven terrain in 1964. Legend has it that to flatten the ground, Hillary offered the Sherpas local liquor and had them perform a foot-stomping dance to prepare the soil. The runway remained unpaved until 2001, when it was finally covered with asphalt.
Legend has it that to flatten the ground, Hillary offered the Sherpas local liquor and had them perform a foot-stomping dance to prepare the soil. However, safety remains a concern. There have been 11 accidents recorded from 1973 to 2019. The extreme geographical and meteorological conditions create a high-risk environment. Erratic weather leads to frequent cancellations, particularly during the monsoon season when 50% of flights are cancelled due to poor visibility and strong winds.
Furthermore, flights are conducted strictly under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), where pilots can only land and take off if they can see the runway. Instrument-assisted landings are not possible due to the rugged topography. There is no option for a go-around; once a landing approach has begun, pilots must commit, as the surrounding mountains leave no room for negotiation.
To mitigate risks, flights to Lukla are typically scheduled in the early morning when winds are calmer. By late morning, wind direction often shifts, bringing dangerous crosswinds or tailwinds that make landings and takeoffs more perilous.
Despite its notorious reputation, the airport remains a hub for adventurers from around the world. For many, landing here is the first step toward Everest Base Camp, a trek that can take several days from Lukla. Beyond Everest, the region offers breathtaking Himalayan views, with Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, providing alternatives for less crowded treks.
Once a landing approach has begun, pilots must commit, as the surrounding mountains leave no room for negotiation. The town of Lukla, though small, has grown due to rising tourist numbers. Trekkers can find accommodations ranging from simple lodges to high-end facilities with hot tubs and other amenities. From Lukla, visitors usually travel to Namche Bazaar, a bustling Sherpa town that serves as a key resting point. Here, they can acclimate to the altitude and enjoy a view of Everest from one of the highest Irish pubs in the world.
The adrenaline rush of landing at one of the world’s most dangerous airports is part of the Everest experience and, for many travellers, a story they’ll share for years to come.
Sudipa Mahato is a junior editor with Nepal Connect.
