Due to high air traffic at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, all flights to and from Lukla are rerouted through Manthali Airport in the Ramechhap District during the peak trekking seasons March to May and October to November.
This change was implemented by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) starting October 1, 2022, in response to growing congestion at Kathmandu Airport. The Lukla route is one of the busiest domestic flight sectors in Nepal, and relocating operations to Manthali helps reduce traffic and manage airport capacity more efficiently.
During the non-peak months — January, February, June, July, August, September, and December — Lukla flights operate directly from Kathmandu Airport, as air traffic is significantly lower.
Travelers are advised to plan accordingly, especially if flying during the peak season, as reaching Manthali requires an early morning drive from Kathmandu (approximately 4–5 hours).