Adverse weather disrupts flights to Lukla for two days

SOLUKHUMBU, Oct 15: Flights to and from Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla of Solukhumbu district have been suspended for two consecutive days due to adverse weather conditions.     

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), no airplanes have been able to operate to and from the Airport since last Monday after the weather conditions adversely changed.     

Air Traffic Controller (ATC) Bibas Dahal reported that around 800 tourists had flown to Lukla boarding 90 flights on last Sunday itself. Thereafter, no flights have been operated at the Airport, he confirmed.     

Tourists visiting Everest region (Sagarmatha region) have been facing inconveniences after haze continues disruption of air services.     

ATC Dahal said, "Tourists visiting Lukla have remained stranded in Manthali of Ramechhap district. There are reports that some remain in Kathmandu as well. They were stuck after adverse weather disrupted the flights."     

It is shared that helicopters were landing at Surke, a place just below Lukla, to facilitate transportation of tourists.     

CAAN's Manthali Chief Hiron Shah informed that over 1, 300 foreign tourists en route to Lukla are stuck in Manthali for the past two days owing to disruption of the flights.     

Manthali Airport sees operation of some 55 -60 flights a day in a touristic season.     

While many of the stranded tourists are making their way to Khumbu via road from Salleri, the headquarters of Solukhumbu district, some are opting for helicopter services to fly to Surke, Shah added.