Lukla Airport (LUA)

Lukla, NP 🇳🇵 Small Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

VNLK

IATA

LUA

Elevation

9380 ft

Region

NP-P1

Local Time

Airport Information

GPS Code: VNLK

Local Code: Not available

Location: 27.686768° N, 86.729479° E

Continent: AS

Type: Small Airport

Keywords: Mount Everest Tenzing Norgay Sir Edmund Hillary

Arrivals

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Departures

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External Links

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Airport Authority

Links verified by AI • Last updated: Nov 21, 2025

Nearby Points of Interest

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What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Recent traveler reviews for Lukla Airport (VNLK (LUA)) reveal a mixed but generally accepting sentiment. While the airport is widely recognized for its challenging conditions and unpredictable operations, travelers view it as an exhilarating, albeit sometimes frustrating, gateway to the Everest region. The overall experience is often considered an integral part of the adventure itself, rather than just a means of transport.

What Travelers Love

Gateway to Everest: Lukla Airport is the essential starting point for trekkers and climbers heading to Mount Everest Base Camp.
Experienced Pilots and Safety Protocols: Despite its reputation as a dangerous airport, highly skilled pilots undergo specialized training, and strict safety protocols are in place, leading to a good safety record.
Terminal Upgrades: Recent improvements include a heated waiting area and a real-time weather dashboard inside the terminal to help anticipate delays.
Enhanced Security: A new baggage screening X-ray machine was installed in 2024 to improve security and smooth check-ins.
Basic Amenities: The airport offers basic but functional facilities, including a decent cafeteria and usable (though spotty) free WiFi. A 24-hour medical post is also available.
Scenic Flights: The flights to and from Lukla offer incredible panoramic views of the Himalayas.

Common Complaints

Frequent and Unpredictable Delays/Cancellations: The most significant complaint is pervasive flight delays and cancellations due to rapidly changing and unpredictable weather conditions (fog, strong winds, rain, clouds). Travelers often face waits of hours or even days.
Challenging Runway Experience: The short, sloping runway at high altitude makes landings and takeoffs intense and can be nerve-wracking for passengers.
Limited Capacity and Overcrowding: The small terminal and aircraft (typically 12-16 seater planes) lead to congestion, especially during peak trekking season.
Basic Facilities: While functional, the terminal lacks modern luxuries like air conditioning, baggage conveyors, and advanced radar systems, relying instead on visual navigation.
Strict Baggage Weight Limits: Airlines enforce strict weight restrictions, which can be a concern for trekkers with gear.
Limited Transportation and Parking: There is no road connectivity to Lukla, making air travel the only practical option, and local transportation largely relies on porter services.

Despite the inherent challenges and frequent disruptions, travelers generally accept the unique nature of Lukla Airport as part of the authentic Himalayan adventure. Flexibility and patience are highly recommended for anyone planning to fly in or out of this iconic destination.

Generated False weeks ago

This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

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Popular Flight Routes

Building Route Index: We are building our route index for commercial airports. Currently 0 routes are indexed for Lukla Airport. For real-time updates, admin access is required.

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Destination	IATA	City	Aircraft Type	Airline	Details	Route Map
Route Data Not Loaded Get fresh route data for Lukla Airport from FlightAware API Last updated: 1 day, 2 hours ago This will fetch real-time data including recent departures and scheduled flights

For Pilots

Designation	Length	Width	Surface	Status
`06/24`	1729 ft	98 ft	asphalt	Active

Type	Description	Frequency
APP	-	`122.3 MHz`
TWR	-	`122.5 MHz`

Ident	Name	Type	Frequency

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025

Taxis

There are no roads leading to Lukla, and therefore no taxi services are available. The village of Lukla is small and entirely walkable. For transporting heavy luggage and trekking gear, travelers hire local porters or use pack animals like yaks or dzopkyos.

Rental Cars

Car rental services are non-existent in Lukla. The airport and the surrounding Everest region are not connected to any road network, making vehicular travel impossible.

Public Transportation

There is no public ground transportation such as buses or trains at Lukla Airport. The primary mode of transport to and from the region is by small aircraft, with flights connecting to Kathmandu and Ramechhap (weather permitting). The only other way to leave the area is by multi-day trekking.

Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.