Flight cancellations and delays are common in Nepal, particularly in trekking-friendly areas like the Everest and Annapurna regions.
Why do the flights get cancelled or delayed 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. The flights can be delayed for a couple of hours or canceled too. If the weather is really bad, the flights may be canceled for several days.
To protect yourself from these potential problems, please arrange a few extra days for your trip so that you don't miss your international flight if the Lukla flight gets canceled. Alternatively, if you're prepared to pay extra, a helicopter ride is an option.