Manthali, March 29: Over the past three days, more than 200 foreign tourists have found themselves stranded in Manthali due to adverse weather conditions affecting flights to Solukhumbu’s Lukla Airport. The ongoing bad weather has disrupted regular flight operations, leaving tourists seeking alternative means to reach their destinations.

The Civil Aviation Authority in Manthali and Ramechhap has reported that Sita, Tara, and Summit Air aircraft have been grounded at Manthali Airport due to low visibility at Lukla Airport. Prajwal Guragain, a senior officer at the Civil Aviation Authority Manthali, highlighted the challenges faced by airlines in maintaining smooth operations amidst reduced visibility and challenging weather conditions.

As a result of the flight disruptions, tourists bound for Lukla have opted for alternative arrangements, including chartering helicopters to reach Surke in Solu or traveling by road to Phaplu from Manthali. Pooja Thapa, Acting Office Head of Civil Aviation Authority Ramechhap, confirmed these measures taken by tourists to navigate the travel challenges caused by the weather.

Guragain mentioned that helicopter charters have become the primary mode of transportation from Ramechhap Airport to Solukhumbu due to the persisting weather-related issues. Despite the inconvenience caused by flight delays and cancellations, authorities are ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers while keeping them informed about the evolving situation.

The recent challenges highlight the unpredictability of weather conditions in mountainous regions like Solukhumbu and the importance of having contingency plans in place for travelers, especially those visiting popular destinations like Everest and surrounding areas. As efforts continue to mitigate the impact of adverse weather on flight operations, tourists and aviation authorities remain vigilant and adaptable to ensure a smooth travel experience whenever conditions permit.