Lukla Airport has been out of operation for 6 days due to adverse weather affecting about 200 passengers.
Lila Prasad Shrestha, ATC officer stated that the airport could operate from Sunday as it remains closed till today following the presence of heavy fog and rainfall. One helicopter landed on Sunday afternoon but after that, no any flights have been operated, Shrestha said. However, the airport completely stopped it operation from Monday (September 10, 2018) concerning the safety, he added. Due to the geographical situation, the climate changes rapidly in the airport area.
Talking about the visibility, he informed that visibility is too poor with 10 meters distance. Somehow between these 6 days, visibility was improved to some extent and reached up to 1000m but it was like a spark which vanished after few minutes. Sadly, the current visibility is “Nil” and it’s raining here, he added.
The apron of Lukla Airport with very low visibility/ Photo Courtesy: Sujan Neupane
Tourists especially Foreigner with limited expenses who planned to return their nation have been highly affected. Local people did not recommend the tourists to use Roadway, alternate way as there may be chances of flood due to rain and probably they might get stuck in a midway with no hotels, lodges. Salleri, the headquarter of Solukhumbu connects Kathmandu with road transportation but one has to allocate 2 to 3 days to reach there.
ATC Shrestha with dubious view said the airport may open tomorrow and the stranded passengers could go to their home but it is only the prediction.
Lukla Airport out of operation since Sunday following adverse weather
