Lukla airport packed: trekkers wait for a seat back

What is happening

The autumn season is at its peak in the Khumbu and Lukla airport is overflowing. The Kathmandu Post reported on 13 November 2026 that demand is so high that tickets back down are hard to get: some travellers wait a long time at the airport because there are no seats, and the terminal is full from early morning.

Acting airport chief Nawa Raj Katuwal says Lukla handles about 400 flights a day on average, helicopters included. Three airlines run the scheduled flights: Tara Air, Summit Air and Sita Air. Most trekkers are heading to Everest Base Camp or Gokyo. In the village, hotels and lodges are struggling to fit everyone in.

What it means for you

The number of flights is limited and everything depends on the weather. When demand is higher than supply, a seat you lose today will not be there tomorrow.

• Book your return flight before you start the trek, not on the way down.
• Keep at least two spare days between your planned flight out of Lukla and your international flight.
• Reconfirm your flight with the airline or your agency as soon as you are back in Lukla, the day before departure.
• Book your lodge in Lukla and Namche if you are travelling without an agency.
• Several helicopter companies fly from Lukla. It is a fallback if you are short of time, but it costs a lot more and also depends on the weather.

The crowds should ease when the season ends in early December.