KATHMANDU: Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) is set to experience additional pressure as regular flights from Manthali to Lukla are being shifted to Kathmandu due to road disruptions along the BP Highway. Heavy rainfall since Thursday night has caused landslides and blockages in over 68 locations across Nepal’s highways, including six critical sections on the Banepa-Khurkot segment of the BP Highway, leaving TIA to shoulder the extra load of rerouted flights.
The road disruption on the BP Highway, which connects Banepa in Kavre district to Khurkot in Sindhuli to Bardibas, has made it impossible for travelers to reach Manthali Airport in Ramechhap district, the primary hub for flights to Lukla Airport in Solukhumbu. As a result, all flights between Manthali and Lukla, the gateway to Mt. Everest, are now being diverted back to TIA until the highway is cleared and operational again.
This rerouting is expected to significantly increase congestion at TIA, which is already the country’s busiest airport, handling both domestic and international traffic. Rinji Sherpa, the spokesperson for TIA, confirmed the shift, saying, “There is no alternative route to access Mt. Everest, and we must manage these flights from TIA. However, with the festival season approaching, this situation may cause havoc for both domestic and international travelers.”
The increased traffic at TIA comes at a challenging time, as the festival season, including Dashain and Tihar, typically brings a surge in passenger numbers. Sherpa added, “We are expecting a heavier load of passengers than usual, and this shift in flight operations may lead to delays and overcrowding. We ask travelers to remain patient as we work to manage the situation.”
BP Highway Disruption and Heavy Rainfall Impact
The BP Highway is a crucial route for travelers from Kathmandu to Manthali Airport. The highway’s closure due to landslides has not only disrupted flights to Lukla but also affected other areas across the country.
According to police reports, the heavy rainfall has damaged 68 locations on 23 highways, including one of the most important routes, the BP Highway. While authorities are attempting to reopen one-way traffic in 380 places, major highways like Nagdhunga-Muglin, Muglin-Pokhara, Narayanghat-Muglin, Beni-Jomsom, and sections of Araniko Highway and Pushpalal Highway have also been severely affected by landslides and flooding.
The continuous rainfall has caused widespread damage to infrastructure, creating significant transportation challenges across the country. BP Highway’s Kavre and Sindhuli sections, along with other highways, remain impassable, causing severe disruptions in daily travel and commercial transportation.
Manthali Airport Submerged by Flooding
Adding to the challenges, Manthali Airport in Ramechhap has been submerged due to flooding caused by the overflowing Tamakoshi River. Heavy rain has caused the river to swell, leading to the flooding of the airport early Saturday morning. The District Police Office in Ramechhap reported that the airport is completely underwater, making it impossible for any flights to operate.
The flooding of Manthali Airport exacerbates the ongoing crisis, as it further restricts air travel to Lukla. With the airport submerged and the BP Highway blocked, TIA is now the only viable option for flights to Lukla. Local authorities are monitoring the situation closely, but no immediate solution is in sight as the rain continues and water levels remain high.
The flooding in Ramechhap has also affected nearby communities, with low-lying areas being submerged and emergency response efforts hampered by blocked roads and rising waters. Authorities have issued warnings to local residents to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines, as more rainfall is expected in the coming days.
TIA’s Capacity Stretched to the Limit
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) had previously shifted Lukla-bound flights from TIA to Manthali Airport to ease congestion at the Kathmandu airport. However, with the BP Highway’s closure and the flooding at Manthali, CAAN has been forced to revert to using TIA as the hub for flights to Lukla.
The rerouting of these flights puts TIA under significant pressure, as it is now responsible for handling both domestic flights to the Everest region and its regular international and domestic operations. The airport is already facing strain due to the high volume of passengers traveling for the festive season.
The situation at TIA could lead to delays, longer wait times, and possible flight cancellations as airport authorities scramble to accommodate the additional flights. The lack of alternative routes for Lukla-bound flights further complicates matters, leaving authorities with limited options to manage the increasing load.
Outlook and Emergency Measures
Authorities are working to clear the blocked roads and restore access to Manthali Airport and other parts of the country. However, with continuous rainfall forecasted and extensive damage to infrastructure, it may take days, if not weeks, to fully restore transportation networks.
Until then, TIA will have to cope with the additional flights, and travelers are advised to expect delays and disruptions. The airport authority is urging passengers to stay updated on flight schedules and to plan for potential delays.
As the festival season draws closer, authorities are racing against time to repair the damage and restore normalcy to Nepal’s transportation network. In the meantime, both domestic and international travelers are likely to face continued inconvenience as they navigate the disruptions caused by the ongoing rains.