The sole reason for the flight delays and cancellations in Nepal is the climatic variability in the difficult terrain. The adverse weather conditions like heavy rain, high winds and blinding fog results to the flight delays or even cancellation. Therefore, flights delay and cancellation are more likely in winter and rainy seasons. Tribhuwan International Airport lacks the Instrumental Landing System for the domestic flights due to which the flights in adverse weather conditions are cancelled considering the safety of the air passengers.
Generally, mid January to end February is considered as the bad time for all the domestic air carriers in Nepal as there are flight delays more often and sometimes even the flights are cancelled. Even monsoon flights are not that guaranteed because sometimes heavy rain may lead to flight delay or even cancellation. But the flights take off and land in their exact time during the summer and spring seasons Flight delays and cancellation are very less likely.
Flight delays and cancellation has caused more trouble in the field of tourism. Many tourists come to Nepal and get disheartened due to the flight delays and cancellation. It deteriorates their planned schedule. Flights to cities like Pokhara, Chitwan, Lumbini, Biratnagar and other touristic places can be opted by the road transport in case of flight cancellation but flight to mountainous Airports such as Lukla, the only gateway to the Everest can cause a huge problem. Lukla airport in itself is located in dramatic mountain location therefore taking off and landing the flights in cloudy or foggy weather can be too dangerous. Similarly flights to Pokhara-Jomsom, Nepalgunj-Juphal, Simikot sector are also the same weather problem therefore, an extra day in Nepal is highly recommended to all the travelers in Nepal.
We always suggest you to have surplus days at the end of the trek where we uses domestic flights. We have allocated some extra security days in all our itinerary for security reason. In case, you don’t have an extra days, and you are traveling with Star World Tours & Travels , with your prior consent we can arrange a charter a helicopter for you to ensure your trip on extra cost.