The closure of Tribhuvan Airport in Kathmandu for runway maintenance has led to the rerouting of Lukla flights to Ramechhap Airport from April 1 to June 30, 2019. This maintenance, taking place daily from 10 PM to 8 AM, is expected to cause delays in both domestic and international flights. Given that Lukla Airport is a crucial gateway for Everest treks in Nepal, this adjustment may impact travelers during the peak trekking season.
Several airlines, including Summit Air, Sita Air, and Tara Air, have shifted their Lukla flights to Ramechhap Airport. Ramechhap Airport is located on the banks of the Tamakoshi River in Manthali, with an elevation of 493 meters. It is approximately 153 km away from Kathmandu, and the journey by private vehicle, helicopter, or public bus takes around 5 hours.
The airport features a Bituminous Paved (Asphalt Concrete) runway with dimensions of 520 x 20 meters, aligned to 030 degrees and 210 degrees. Travelers planning to embark on Everest treks will need to travel to Ramechhap before flying to Lukla to commence their Himalayan trekking adventure.
