As Nepal’s peak tourist season gains momentum, Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla witnessed a record-breaking 184 flights on Thursday, driven by favorable weather and increased tourist activity. Known as the gateway to Mount Everest, Lukla’s small but bustling airport becomes exceptionally busy during October and November, when clear skies and moderate temperatures attract thousands of trekkers and climbers to the region.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal in Lukla, the day saw 152 helicopter flights and 32 fixed-wing flights by various airlines. Tara Air and Summit Air each operated 12 flights, while Sita Air conducted eight, contributing to the heightened traffic, the state-owned national news agency RSS reported.

This influx brought 532 tourists to Lukla, including 396 foreigners and 136 Nepalis, with 462 tourists departing the same day, added RSS.

“The rise in tourist numbers is very encouraging,” RSS quoted Lamakaji Sherpa, president of the Everest Pollution Control Committee, as saying.

With the season’s draw expected to continue into November, the airport anticipates maintaining high traffic as it facilitates access to one of Nepal’s most iconic trekking routes.