Nepal is one of the most geographically interesting places in the world, thanks to its diverse topography. The Himalayan country is home to 8 of the highest mountains in the world. And transportation in such high places is made possible by air transport. So, we are discussing the dangerous airports in Nepal in this article.
List of Dangerous Airports in Nepal
Lukla Airport
Widely known as Lukla Airport, the Tenzing Hillary Airport situated in the Solukhumbu district is regarded as the most dangerous airport in the world. Hence, it makes its way to this list. Gaining worldwide fame as the gateway to Mount Everest, it was built in 1964 under the supervision of Sir Edmund Hillary.
To measure, the runway is 527 meters long only and features a steep path. The ICAO codename is VNLK and its asphalt paved runway caters to STOL flights and helicopters. In general, small aircraft like De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter, and Dornier 228 are suitable to fly and land in the Lukla airport.
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Due to the ever-changing weather, low visibility during fog and rain, and challenging terrain, Lukla Airport is the epitome of challenges for a pilot and aircraft.
Quick Info of Lukla Airport
- Location: Khumbu Pasanglhamu, Solukhumbu, Nepal
- Altitude: 2,845 meters
- ICAO Code: VNLK
- IATA Code: LUA
- Runway Length: 527 meters
- Runway Type: Single, 06 for Take off, 24 for landing
Jomsom Airport
Coming second to our list of the World’s most dangerous airports in Nepal is Jomsom Airport. Located in the trans-Himalayan district of Mustang, this airport is also no less dangerous than Lukla. It came into operation in March 1976 with a single runway, 06/24 for take-offs and landings respectively.
The runway here is 810m which is adjacent to the Kaligandaki Gorge, the biggest one in Nepal. Like Lukla, only STOL flights can operate in this airport. The prime challenges remain the strong crosswinds and tailwinds from the Annapurna mountains, cloud cover, and changing visibility.
Quick Info of Jomsom Airport
- Location: Jomsom, Mustang
- Altitude: 2,736 meters
- ICAO Code: VNJS
- IATA Code: JMO
- Runway Length: 810 meters
- Runway Type: Single, 06 for Take off, 24 for landing
Talcha Airport
Talcha Airport, also known as Rara Airport, is a domestic airport located in Mugu district, near Rara National Park in Nepal. It is one of the most scenic and challenging airports in the country, offering a spectacular view of Rara Lake, the largest and deepest freshwater lake in Nepal.
The airport was constructed in 1975 but was only blacktopped in 2015, making it safer and more accessible for flights. The runway is 570 meters long and 18 meters wide, and it is situated at an altitude of 2,735 meters above sea level. The airport has a single terminal building and a parking area for two aircraft.
The airport is mainly served by three airlines: Tara Air, Summit Air, and Sita Air. They operate flights from Nepalgunj and Birendranagar (Surkhet) to Talcha Airport. The flight duration is about 40 minutes from Nepalgunj and 20 minutes from Birendranagar. The flight schedule varies depending on weather conditions and passenger demand.
Quick Info of Talcha Airport
- Location: Chhayanath Rara, Mugu
- Altitude: 2,736 meters
- ICAO Code: VNJS
- IATA Code: JMO
- Runway Length: 810 meters
- Runway Type: Single, 06 for Take off, 24 for landing
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Simikot Airport
Simikot Airport is one of the most remote and challenging airports in the world, located at an altitude of 2,915 meters (9,564 feet) in the mountainous region of Humla. The airport serves as a gateway to some of the most beautiful and unspoiled landscapes in Nepal, as well as a base for trekking, mountaineering, and cultural exploration.
Simikot Airport was built in 1996 with the help of the Swiss government, and it has a single runway of 650 meters (1,801 feet) long and 20 meters (66 feet) wide. The runway is unpaved and has a steep gradient of 12%, which means that only small planes can land and take off from there.
The airport is also subject to frequent weather changes, strong winds, and poor visibility, making it one of the world’s dangerous airports in the world. Only experienced pilots with special training and permission can fly to Humla Airport, and they have to rely on their skills and judgment rather than on instruments or air traffic control.
Quick Info of Simikot Airport
- Location: Simikot, Humla
- Altitude: 2,915 meters
- ICAO Code: VNST
- IATA Code: IMK
- Runway Length: 650 meters
- Runway Type: Single, 10 for Take off, 28 for landing
Dangerous Airports in Nepal: Conclusion
So, that was our list of the dangerous airports in Nepal. As a Himalayan country, the airports situated on the northern sides are always prone to risks and dangers. Even, the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu is considered one of the most challenging ones in the world.
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