The domestic airline operators have been instructed by Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) authority to conduct morning Lukla flights from Manthali Airport, Ramechhap during TIA runway rehabilitation works starting 1st April.
The aviation regulatory body Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has already informed the shutdown TIA operation for 3 months (10 pm to 8 am) starting from 1st April.
Lukla is the favorite destination for majority of tourists so, there is always hectic flight schedule for Tenzing Hillary Airport, Lukla. Almost 100 flights (including helicopter flights) for Lukla is conducting daily by the domestic airline companies during peak tourism season while over 20 flights are conducted during normal season.
Keeping this in mind, the airport authority has urged domestic airlines to conduct Lukla flights from Ramechhap during the morning time.
TIA chief Raj Kumar Chhetri informed that some airline companies have already prepared to fly Lukla from Ramechhap in the morning whereas other companies could also shift their flights from Manthali Airport.
The China based company China National Aero Technology International Engineering Corporation has been given the responsibility of TIA runway rehabilitation by CAAN.
The runway of TIA encounters frequent ruptures, cracks and requires regular maintenance. Aircraft sometime have to initiate go-around due to runway cracks. This situation has been affecting normal flight operation at TIA and also triggering safety hazards. Mostly, wide-body aircraft are creating trouble to the runway while landing with significant weight.
The government then planned to renovate the runway of TIA to enhance the safe and sound flight operation
