Tenzing-Hillary Airport – The Fastest Way to Get to Mount Everest is Both Beautiful and Dangerous

Nepal – Have you ever flown into Lukla Airport (VNLK) Lukla, Nepal, is known for its stunning scenery and proximity to Mount Everest. In the peak season, as many as 50 flights a day enter and leave Lukla.

As of 2008, Lukla Airport is now known as Tenzing-Hillary Airport in honor of Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay. This is because Hillary and Tenzing were the first to summit Mount Everest in 1953, following what is now known as the Pioneer’s route. The hike from Jiri takes five days, and after completing it, Hillary thought it took too long to get to the trailhead. This is because, in 1953, there was no airport at Lukla. In response to this difficulty, he had the Lukla Airport built with help from the local Sherpas.

How Did Lukla Airport End Up in Its Current Location?

Sir Edmund Hillary had initially envisioned the airport on flat ground. However, the only flat ground in the area was owned by farmers, who were against selling any part of their property. Of course, he still wanted to build the airport, so he purchased the current land from the Sherpas for $2,650. With the help of the Sherpas, the runway and facilities were constructed. However, it was just a dirt strip until 2001, when it was finally paved.

Why Is It So Dangerous To Fly Into Lukla Airport in Nepal?

Tenzing-Hillary Airport is often called the most dangerous airport in the world, and for good reason. Throughout its history, more than 50 people have died either during takeoff or while landing. It’s a high-altitude airport with tall mountain peaks on all sides. The weather can change quickly, and once a pilot decides to land, they are committed.

1. It’s a Short, Sloped Runway.

Tenzing-Hillary Airport’s sole runway is only 1,729 feet long and 60 feet wide. It also has a gradient of 12 degrees. Pilots must take off on runway 24, going downhill, and land on runway 06, going uphill. It’s important to note that the drop-off from runway 24 is a whopping 2,000 feet. To help mitigate potential runway overruns, a fence was built to improve safety.

2. There Are No Go-Around Procedures.

Tenzing-HIllary Airport does not have any go-around procedures due to the steep terrain. This means that once a pilot has decided to land, they must land. In addition, the airport doesn’t contain any radar or navigation aids.

3. The Weather Can Change Quickly.

Lukla is considered a tundra climate, but it is also monsoon-influenced. Due to its altitude and climate, the air temperature can reach freezing at any point during the day. If the weather deteriorates in the area, even flights that have recently taken off will turn around. It’s estimated that up to 50 percent of the afternoon flights into the airport are canceled, and up to 50 percent of the flights are canceled during monsoon season.

4. It’s a High Altitude Airport.

Tenzing-Hillary Airport is located in the Himalayan mountains at 9,383 feet. To give you an idea of how high this is, individuals who wish to scale Mount Everest need at least two days to acclimate to the altitude and may get altitude sickness. The Mount Everest base camp sits at 17,598 feet, and its peak is 29,032 feet. Other nearby mountains are impressively tall as well. Mount Karyolung is 21,210 feet tall, Mount Khatang is 22,230 feet tall, and Nupla is 19,255 feet tall.