To accommodate the start of the trekking and mountaineering season, daily flights have begun operating between Ramechhap’s Manthali Airport and Lukla in the Solukhumbu region. Airlines like Tara Air, Summit Air, and Sita Air are providing regular service, making travel easier for tourists eager to reach the gateway of Mt. Everest.
The shift to flights from Manthali Airport helps alleviate congestion at the busy Tribhuvan International Airport during peak tourist seasons. Lukla experiences a significant influx of foreign hikers and climbers twice a year.
Praveen Subedi, Ramechhap in-charge of Tara Air, notes a surge in tourist numbers from March to May this year, compared to the traditionally busy period of October to November. Flights were temporarily delayed due to inclement weather but have resumed operation as conditions improved, according to Pooja Thapa of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal.
To ensure smooth operations, aviation fuel supplies have been secured in Manthali.
