Flights to Lukla, a gateway to the Everest region, have been temporarily shifted to Janakpur Airport after road access to Manthali Airport in Ramechhap was blocked. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) made this decision as a temporary alternative to accommodate travelers, especially during the peak tourist season.
The onset of the tourist season has increased the flow of foreign visitors, particularly trekkers arriving for Nepal’s renowned trekking routes. This surge coincides with the upcoming Dashain festival, further boosting demand for air travel. Additionally, roadblocks caused by heavy rainfall on Ashwin 11 and 12 have led to increased pressure on air travel as the main roads leading into and out of Kathmandu remain disrupted due to landslides and flooding.
With roads to Manthali Airport cut off, travelers who previously took buses from Kathmandu to Manthali for flights to Lukla must now fly via Janakpur. According to CAAN spokesperson Hansraj Pandey, the heavy rains not only disrupted the road network but also complicated the fuel supply to Kathmandu, impacting the overall logistics.
“Given the challenges in fuel supply and transportation caused by road disruptions, we have decided, after discussions with the Airlines Operators Association of Nepal, to temporarily shift Lukla flights from Manthali to Janakpur,” said Pandey.
The flight distance from Janakpur to Lukla is roughly the same as from Kathmandu to Lukla, ensuring efficient management of resources, including fuel. To accommodate the increased demand, Janakpur Airport will remain operational until midnight, and flights will continue as long as possible, added Pandey.
In response to this adjustment, Tara Air has already commenced flights along the Kathmandu–Janakpur–Lukla route, confirmed Yeti Airlines spokesperson Sudarshan Bartaula. This temporary shift is expected to continue until the road to Manthali is restored, ensuring smooth travel for tourists and locals alike during this busy season.
