Scheduled and chartered air services connecting Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu with Tenzing-Hillary Airport (LUA) in Lukla, Nepal, are frequently operated by private limited companies. These flights provide essential access to the Everest region, serving as the primary gateway for trekkers and mountaineers embarking on expeditions to Mount Everest Base Camp and surrounding peaks. This vital transportation link significantly reduces travel time compared to overland journeys, which can take several days.
The challenging terrain and limited infrastructure of the Himalayas make air travel the most practical option for accessing Lukla. This air link plays a crucial role in supporting the local economy, facilitating tourism, and enabling the transport of essential goods and supplies to remote communities. Historically, the establishment of this air route drastically transformed access to the Khumbu region, opening it up to global tourism and expediting development.
