-SOLUKHUMBU
Upon the arrival of tourism season in the country of Himalaya Kingdom, Nepal, the number of tourists flying into Nepal’s Lukla Airport, Solukhumbu; the gateway to Mount Everest has drastically increased in recent days. As a result of the large number of tourists flying into Lukla during this peak season, Tara Air, sister company of Yeti Airlines has operated its highest number of flights till date in this sector to the maximum of 20 times in a single day.
Spokesperson for Tara Air, Mr. Bhim Rai stated that this year the number of tourists visiting Lukla has increased and considering this situation Tara air has also been conducting their flights from Manthali Airport of Ramechhap since few days. The number of Nepali passengers traveling from the airlines as well as the international passengers has also been increasing.
The operation of Lukla flight from Ramchhap also helps to reduce the traffic congestion in Tribhuvan International Airport. The airlines thus can save the ground time thereby maximizing the air time. The airline operates Dornier D0-228 and Viking DHC 6-400 twin otter in the sector.
Rai further added that after the increase in the number of tourists, the government’s campaign of “Pahila Swadesh ani Bidesh” which means first visit Nepal and then other counties is being successful.
Currently, Sita Air, Tara Air, Summit Air, and Nepal airlines have been operating their flights to Lukla. Summit and Tara air has operated 16 flights in a single day in this season, whereas Nepal Airlines is conducting 3 flights in a day.
Similarly, Air Dynasty, Prabhu helicopter, Shree Air, Manang Air, Kailash Helicopters and Heli-Everest and Altitude Air operate charter and rescue flights operating its rotorcrafts in Lukla. Likewise, Sita Air, Tara Air, Summit Air and Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) conducts a total 40 flights daily.
The airport lying on the lap of Mt. Everest is one of the world’s extreme airports that features vibrant terrains, constantly changing weather and difficult approach making it challenging for pilots to come and land there.
