Tenzing Hillary Airport, also known as Lukla Airport, is the world’s most dangerous airport. Yes, you read that right. This is an airport with the shortest runway, and due to altitude and weather, there are lives taking risk. Despite a thrilling airport, there are a good number of people to fulfill their dream of Mount Everest Trekking.
Listed as the most thrilling airport, it will take you on an adventure tour in the lap of the Himalayas. Lukla is a small village at the foot of Everest, which is also an opportunity to explore the mountain world closely. Apart from thrills and height, you will find yourself in the heavenly beauty of nature.
You might be thinking why this airport is risky and listed at the top. Besides weather, altitude, and short runway length, here are many other facts which I will discuss in the segment below:
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History of Lukla Airport
Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary climbed Mount Everest successfully in 1953. It was the first successful summit after multiple failures by the British. During that time, there was no airport in this region. They used the traditional route and multiple days of trekking to reach the Everest Region. It was really a tough job without a transportation facility.
Considering the development of villages and local projects, Sir Edmund Hillary took the initial step. Yes, he was the person to think about the airport in this region. In 1964, Lukla Airport was made by Hillary. Interestingly, locals actively participated to help him with this project.
The government was not the one who approached or started this airport. Hillary and the locals made it a historic moment, facilitating educational and development works in this area. The decision to build an airport was really a bold move for that time.
Initially, it was made as a dirt airstrip, and later, regular flights started in 1971. Later in 2001, the runway was paved with asphalt. This is the gateway to Mount Everest as well as other peaks of this region.
Back in January 2008, Lukla Airport was renamed as Tenzing-Hillary Airport. The sole purpose of giving this name was to honor Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary. The rename was done shortly after the death of Hillary in January 2008. These days, this airport is famous as Tenzing Hillary Airport, but is equally popular as Lukla Airport.
Tara Air at Tenzing-Hilary Airport
Where is Tenzing Hillary Airport Located?
Tenzing Hillary Airport is located at Lukla, Solukhumbu District of Nepal. So, it is also known as Lukla Airport. It was the first airport made in the Himalayan region back in 1964.
Lukla Airport is at an altitude of 2846 meters. It is a route to Everest Base Camp as well as other surrounding mountains of that region.
What is the most accidental airport in the world?
Tenzing Hillary Airport Nepal, is the most accident-prone airport in the world. The accident reports of several decades, altitude, location, and features of the airport have been considered for ranking.
Lukla Airport has a history of many accidents and fatal crashes till now. There have been 7 major accidents with more than 50 people losing their lives. The airport is quite risky due to many technical and natural factors.
Tenzing Hillary Airport Nepal, is the most risky airport in the world, followed by Paro Airport (Bhutan), Courchevel Altiport (France), and Madeira Airport (Portugal).
Why is Tenzing Hillary Airport Dangerous?
The most challenging and dangerous airport in the world is Tenzing Hillary Airport in Nepal. It is also known as Lukla Airport. This is ranked at the top amongst the world’s deadliest airports. It is considered risky due to its extremely short runway.
There is an abbreviated landing strip with a 12-degree upward slope. This is designed to assist aircraft in decelerating fast. The one runway end terminates at a mountain wall, and the other end just drops precipitously into a deep valley. There is no chance of leaving a margin for landing errors.
Similarly, the airport is the gateway to the world’s highest altitude, or the highest peak, Mount Everest. Located at 2846 meters above sea level, this altitude is a huge challenge for pilots.
There are unpredictable weather conditions with rain, wind storms, snowfall, and poor visibility. This causes a delay in flight as well as increases the chances of mishaps. Also, the surrounding mountain terrains are quite dangerous.
Hence, the Tenzing Hillary Airport is the most challenging one, which has taken away the lives of many people.
Tenzing Hillary Airport to Everest Base Camp
Tenzing Hillary Airport to Everest Base Camp is a trekking of about 9 to 12 days. If you are interested in the classical route, then you can enjoy a 19-day-long tour also. The trekking route normally comprises acclimatization days, shopping, and overall enjoyment.
First of all, you need to start your journey from Kathmandu, and within a 30-minute flight, you will be at Tenzing Hillary Airport at Lukla. It is a domestic airport in Solukhumbu District. From this point, you will be hiking each day till you finish the trekking, returning to Lukla. The paths are rough, rugged, steep, and challenging.
The increasing height and unpredictable weather can be major issues here. You will first trek towards Phakding and then to Namche Bazaar (440 meters). It is a perfect place for acclimatization. The next destinations will be Tengboche and Dingboche.
Enjoying the natural beauty and cultural diversity, you will trek towards Lobuche (4930 meters). From there, you need to hike towards Gorakshep (5164 meters) and finally to the Everest Base Camp at 5364 meters. From base camp, enjoy close and clear views of Mount Everest and sunrise.
You may or may not trek towards Kalapattthar at 5545 meters. Then, step downwards and reach Pheriche. From there, head towards Namche Bazaar and finally to Lukla.
This is a short and the best option for Tenzing Hillary Airport to Mount Everest. You must give this a try for a lifetime moment of pride.
Lukla-Airport
What do you know about the Tenzing Hillary Airport Crash History?
Tenzing Hillary Airport, aka Lukla Airport, is the most dangerous airport in the world. Throughout its operation from 1964 to the present, many fatal accidents and crashes have taken place. Many deaths and serious injuries occurred, making a dark history. Here are some of the major incidents at this airport. Have a look:
Goma Air Flight 409
It was a cargo flight from Kathmandu to Lukla that crashed on 27 May 2017 near Lukla’s Airport Runway. The report says that the Let 410 aircraft impacted terrain short of the runway after an attempt to climb in landing configuration, just after premature descent.
The pilots were killed, with the third crew member being seriously injured. There were only three people, including the captain, co-pilot, and one cabin crew member. While the captain and copilot lost their lives, the crew member was rushed to the hospital. He was seriously injured and was evacuated to Kathmandu quickly.
As per the investigation, the accident was attributed to several factors. Such as rapid deteriorating visibility and the aircraft’s descent below the runway threshold elevation. This remains a major disaster in the Everest region mishaps.
Yeti Airlines Flight 101
It was a domestic flight of Nepal that crashed in the town of Lukla at Tenzing Hillary Airport. The fatal crash happened on 8 October 2008.
As per the reports, the aircraft came in too low and too far left, causing the aircraft to crash short of the runway. The landing gear was caught in the perimeter fence on the airport ground.
There were a total of 19 people, including 17 passengers and 2 crew members. 18 people died, including 1 crew member. The Captain, Surendra Kunwar, was injured very badly and was rushed to Kathmandu. Also, the majority of fatalities were from Germany.
Summit Air Crash Lukla
April 14, 2019, is another black day for the Lukla aircraft, when a crash occurred at Lukla. A preliminary report on this crash at Lukla Airport found that uneven engine thrust led the plane to veer right during takeoff. This caused a fatal collision with two parked helicopters. The crash killed the co-pilot, Sujit Dhungana, and two policemen on the ground.
The report blamed the crash on an operational error. Also, the blame was on challenges created due to a short, sloped, and narrow runway. Later, the incident recommended stricter rules for assigning commands to co-pilots at high-risk airports.
What airport do you fly into for Mount Everest?
To reach Mount Everest, you need to take a flight to Kathmandu first. It means from your homeland to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal.
After landing there, you will take another flight to Lukla Airport. It is also called Tenzing-Hillary Airport, located in Lukla, Solukhumbu. This is a gateway to Everest.
KTM-Lukla flight left window view
Which airport is risky in Nepal?
Tenzing Hillary Airport, aka Lukla Airport, is risky in Nepal. In fact, it is the most dangerous airport in the world. Yes, you heard that right, it is ranked at the top in terms of difficulty and risk factors.
The high altitude, unpredictable weather, the shortest runway, and the geographical structure are major factors to make it risky. The pilots have to go through much pressure while dealing with this airport.
What is the shortest runway in Nepal?
Lukla Airport is the shortest runway in Nepal, with just 527 meters in length. Located at an altitude of 2846 meters, this is ranked top amongst the most accident-prone and dangerous airports in the world.
It is famous for its most challenging and risky landing conditions due to a short runway and a steep mountainside location.
Tenzing Hillary Airport to Kathmandu
Tenzing Hillary Airport to Kathmandu is a distance of 159 miles. It is a 30 to 40-minute flight showcasing the heavenly scenic beauty. Also, this is the shortest and most common route between the Capital City and the Everest Region.
You will be flying over snow-clad mountains and a peaceful atmosphere. Even a half-hour flight, you will create some of the finest memories.
Tenzing Hillary Airport Site
You can have every detail about Lukla Airport at the Tenzing-Hillary Airport Site. A quick search on the browser will reveal everything about this mysterious airport. You can get an idea about the history, accidents, major events, geographical conditions, and possible mishaps through the official site.
Similarly, many people show their curiosity about Tenzing Hillary Airport Photos. Well, there are many images of this airport showcasing various time period and major ups and downs. The pictures and information about Lukla Airport are absolutely helpful in planning your trip.
Tenzing Hillary Airport Code
Tenzing Hillary Airport, famous as Lukla Airport, has the airport code LUA. This is the International Air Transport Association (IATA) code assigned to Lukla airport. Interestingly, this unique three-letter code helps in identifying the airport in global airline systems. Also, useful in booking platforms and baggage tags.
Located in the town of Lukla in eastern Nepal, it serves as a main gateway to the Everest Region. The code LU is derived from the word Lukla, while A represents Airport. It is used in all airline ticketing systems for flights to and from Lukla.
Though the IATA code for this airport is LUA, the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) code is VNLK.
Well, the above knowledge, comprising history and present whereabouts, helps you decide more about Lukla Airport. You can now easily plan your journey from Kathmandu to Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu Airport.
As it is the most dangerous airport, careful planning is necessary. Also, being the most common gateway to Everest, you have to know as many things about this airport while planning a trip to the Everest Region.
Morning view from Tenzing-Hilary Airport
What is the alternative to the Lukla Flight?
If you are seeking alternatives to the Lukla Flight, then you have several cozy options. You can either fly over the mountains or enjoy the roadway.
Helicopter
There is an option for a safe and comfortable helicopter ride. Also, a heli ride over Everest Base Camp is quite famous. This typically takes 4 to 5 hours, and within this time frame, you will enjoy the heavenly natural beauty. You will fly over EBC, and a popular viewpoint called Kala Patthar.
This is the best alternative to the Lukla flight and fits perfectly with your busy schedule. However, this is a luxury heli tour that charges more than a regular Lukla flight. Interestingly, this trip can be your family moment or a special moment with your close ones.
Jeep to Surke
If you have enough time to explore the Everest Region via road, then you should go for the jeep option. It takes around 17 to 18 hours in a mix of road, comprising smooth paved road initially and steep, rugged paths later.
Departing early in the morning from Kathmandu, you will reach Surke, crossing the crazy transition from urban to remote rural settlements. This route is best to experience raw village life.
Motorbike to Surke
You can enjoy an adventure bike tour from Sitapaila, Kathmandu, to Salleri at first. The initial paths are smooth but rugged and narrow later. Once you reach Salleri, off-beaten paths start to Surke. It takes about 14 hours to reach Surke.
You need permits to enter the Everest Region, which starts from Lukla. This is a perfect thrill ride for adventure bikers. You will ride through diverse villages and cultural lifestyles.
Start the trek from Phaplu
First, you need to take a bus or jeep from Kathmandu to Phaplu, taking about 8 hours. Then, you will start trekking from Phaplu (Salleri) to Everest Base Camp. This is a less crowded alternative in comparison to Lukla.
The major highlights in this route include the scenic beauty of Salleri, Taksindu La Pass, Nunthala, Namche Bazaar, and EBC.
Conclusion :
Even though Tenzing Hillary Airport is the most thrilling airport in the world, reforms are being done for better safety. Now Nepal aviation has strict rules on the flight command, so that there has not been any crash with a passenger since October 8, 2008.
So you could fly to and from Lukla for the EBC Trek without any fear. Or if you are still not confident about the Lukla flight, you may book the Helicopter flight to and from Lukla, or you may also drive to Surke, a nearby village, and start your Trek.
Getting to the Everest Base Camp has several options that you can choose from according to your priorities. With a very limited time, you can enjoy a heli tour that completes within 4 hours. Similarly, a short EBC trek completes within a week.
You can go for the jeep or bike options if you can give extra days to this trip. There you have several alternatives to fulfill your Everest Dream. Relying solely on Lukla Airport is no longer mandatory. You have enough options to explore the Everest Region.
Contact Breeze Adventures Pvt Ltd for a safe and enjoyable journey to the Everest Base Camp. We have a good customized package via Lukla Airport as well as other alternatives. We are a team of dedicated and experienced members working in this field for more than a decade. We ensure a lifetime of memories in the lap of the Himalayas.
