Flight delays and cancellations are common in Nepal, particularly in trekking-friendly areas like the Everest and Annapurna regions.
Why the flights get cancel or delay in Nepal?
The significant reasons why flights in Nepal are cancelled or delayed are below;
Unpredictable Weather
The Himalayan region is notorious for its erratic and severe weather conditions, particularly during the trekking seasons. Fog, rain, snow, or strong winds can ground flights at any time.
Mountainous Terrain
Flying into and out of trekking destinations is difficult due to Nepal's complex topography and its few remote airports. Pilots need good visibility to land safely, which can be difficult in mountainous terrain.
Even though flight cancellation and delay issues can happen at any time, they are less likely to occur in the fall and spring. These times of year have clear, dry weather, which lessens the likelihood of flight delays and cancellations.
The weather in Lukla (the entry point to the Everest Trek) is among the most unpredictable in the mountains. They flights can delay for couple of hours or cancel too. If the weather is really bad, the flights may cancel for several days.
To protect yourself from this potential problems, please get a few extra days for your trip. If your travel plans are tight, you may miss your international flight just in case the Lukla flight gets cancel. But you can switch yourself into helicopter ride on extra pay if needed.