During the spring tourist season, a large number of airlines are currently operating over 48 daily flights from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap to Lukla in Solukhumbu, catering to tourists heading to the renowned Everest region.
According to Yeti Airlines, the sister company of Tara Air, Tara Air's Twin Otter aircraft are specifically facilitating this high demand by operating between 10 to 15 daily flights from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap to Lukla in Solukhumbu during this season.
In an effort to alleviate air traffic congestion at Tribhuvan International Airport, regular flights from Kathmandu to Lukla have been relocated to Manthali since April 1st. Summit Air, Tara Air, and Sita Air are now operating regular flights from Manthali to Lukla, with a single plane able to make as many as eight to ten flights per day, as opposed to just two to three flights from TIA to Lukla previously.
Tara Air Spokesperson Sudarshan Bartaula stated that currently, Tara Air's aircraft are making five to eight daily flights from Manthali to Lukla. This change has made it much more convenient for foreign tourists, who can now travel by car from Kathmandu to Manthali in the morning and take a same-day flight from Manthali to Lukla.
Spring is the peak season for Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla, serving as the primary gateway to the renowned Everest region. During this time, the airport experiences a significant influx of tourists who come for trekking and mountaineering, including those attempting to climb Mt Everest.
As Nepal prepares to mark the 70th anniversary of the successful ascent of Mt Everest this year, the Department of Tourism (DoT) under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation has issued permits to 319 climbers for the spring season. The royalties collected from issuing permits to climb Mt Everest alone this spring season have exceeded Rs 442 million.
Source: Himalayan Times
