Solukhumbu’s Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla witnessed a significant increase in air traffic today with a record 184 flights, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Lukla. This included both helicopter and aircraft operations, highlighting the heightened tourism activity in the Everest region.
With clear weather conditions, helicopters completed 152 flights, while planes conducted 23 flights, as per Airport Chief Umesh Panthi. Among the flights, Tara Air and Summit Air each managed 12 flights, and Sita Air conducted 8.
Today’s flights brought in a total of 532 tourists to Lukla—396 international visitors and 136 Nepali travelers—according to Deputy Superintendent of Police Dwarika Prasad Ghimire at Solukhumbu District Police Office. In contrast, 462 tourists, comprising 336 foreigners and 126 Nepalis, departed Lukla via air services.
Additionally, 475 foreign tourists arrived at Namche Bazaar, while 303 returned from the region, as per police records.
“The tourist numbers visiting the Everest region remain impressive, though colder weather has also led to a steady flow of tourists leaving,” remarked Lamakaji Sherpa, President of the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee. With temperatures dropping, more tourists are expected to exit the Khumbu region.
The tourist season is anticipated to continue until mid-Mangsir (early December), as indicated by Sagarmatha National Park authorities in Namche, suggesting a balance between incoming and outgoing visitors in the region.
Source: RSS
