Lukla Flight Cancellation: Common Causes & Best Alternative Routes in 2025

The flight to Lukla (Tenzing-Hillary Airport) is legendary. It is a thrilling gateway to the Everest region and offers breathtaking Himalayan panoramas. But it’s equally infamous for its frequent cancellations, a reality every trekker must prepare for.

Due to unpredictable Himalayan weather and limited airport infrastructure, flights to Lukla from Manthali (Ramechhap) or Lukla to Manthali are frequently delayed or cancelled.

Why are the Lukla flights cancelled so often?

The Lukla flights are cancelled due to the airport’s high altitude, which causes extreme weather and low visibility. Flight schedules are more susceptible to delays and cancellations during winter and rainy seasons because of adverse weather, such as heavy rain, low visibility, strong winds, and turbulence. In contrast, the clearer weather typical of summer and spring generally ensures smoother operations with fewer disruptions.

Due to Lukla’s challenging airstrip, airlines can only operate small aircraft like Twin Otters and Dorniers, with just 20-30 daily flights permitted. All flights must operate only in the morning to avoid dangerous afternoon winds, creating a tight operational window. When cancellations occur, this bottleneck leads to 2-3 day backlogs during peak trekking seasons, as hundreds of stranded travelers compete for limited next-day seats.
Though infrequent, periods of political unrest, strikes, or protests in Nepal sometimes cause interruptions to transportation networks, which can include flight operations.

Best alternative routes in case of the cancellation of the Lukla Flight

If your flight to Lukla is cancelled, several reliable alternative routes are available depending on your schedule, budget, and physical readiness. 

One of the most dependable options is taking a helicopter to Lukla, which costs around US$500. Though pricey, it’s the quickest and most weather-resilient alternative.

Another practical route is to travel overland by private vehicle to Surkey or Bupsha and then begin trekking toward Phakding, which typically takes 2–3 days. This is a great way to gradually acclimatize before continuing toward Everest Base Camp.

Alternatively, if you’re looking to avoid the uncertainty of Lukla flights altogether, you might consider exploring other scenic trekking regions in Nepal, such as Annapurna, Manaslu, or Kangchenjunga. These regions are less affected by flight disruptions and offer equally rewarding Himalayan experiences.

Pro Tip to Handle Lukla Flight Cancellations

This is the practical advice to help you stay flexible and prepared.

• In cancellations, helicopter flights to Lukla (or back to Kathmandu) are often possible in marginal weather.
• It is highly recommended to add 2–3 buffer days to your itinerary to avoid missing your international flight or onward travel plans.
• Stay at hotels near Lukla or Manthali airports for quick access to flight updates.
• Eagle Trail Escapes often gets priority booking, weather updates, and quick alternatives like last-minute heli slots or ground transport.
• Make sure travel insurance covers trip delays, cancellations, and emergency evacuations, including helicopter transport if needed.