LUAVNLKMedium Airport

Tenzing-Hillary Airport

Lukla, Nepal9,380 ft elevation

Plan transport

IATA

LUA

Three-letter passenger code.

ICAO

VNLK

Operational aviation identifier.

Elevation

9,380 ft

The airport sits at a high elevation, which can influence aircraft performance and weather patterns.

Coordinates

27.69, 86.73

Lukla map position.

Airport scale

Regional Airport

The airport is easier to read than the largest hubs, but schedules can cluster around regional arrival and departure waves.

Tenzing-Hillary Airport overview

Tenzing-Hillary Airport (LUA) serves Lukla, Nepal. It is listed as a regional airport, so this guide focuses on practical location context, airport identifiers, nearby alternates, and the details travelers can verify before planning a route through LUA.

The airport sits at 9,380 feet above sea level. Its coordinates are 27.6868, 86.7295, which helps travelers compare the airport with city access points and other airports in Nepal.

Nearby alternatives include Syangboche Airport (SYH) and Phaplu Airport (PPL). Compare those pages when checking backup airports, local access, or regional routing across Asia.

LUA planning callout

Expect dense peak waves at major Asian hubs; rail or metro links are often the most predictable choice when available. For this page, compare LUA with nearby airport links and the Nepal country guide before finalizing route choices.

Tenzing-Hillary Airport unique facts

LUA fact 1

Tenzing-Hillary Airport uses IATA code LUA and ICAO code VNLK.

LUA fact 2

LUA serves Lukla in Nepal.

LUA fact 3

In this directory, it ranks #25 by estimated passenger scale among listed Nepal airports.

LUA fact 4

Across Asia, this airport ranks #1017 in the current featured airport set.

LUA fact 5

Tenzing-Hillary Airport is classified as a regional airport, based on airport type and available passenger estimates.

LUA fact 6

LUA sits 9,380 feet above sea level.

Tenzing-Hillary Airport facilities

Tenzing-Hillary Airport restaurants

At LUA, check whether dining is concentrated landside or airside before settling near the gate.

LUA lounges

For Tenzing-Hillary Airport, lounge access usually depends on airline, alliance status, cabin, or paid-entry rules.

LUA WiFi

Use airport WiFi for maps, airline alerts, and transport bookings before leaving Tenzing-Hillary Airport.

Lukla airport parking

For departures from Lukla, compare terminal-adjacent parking with long-stay lots and shuttle timing.

LUA accessibility

Request mobility assistance with your airline before traveling through Tenzing-Hillary Airport; same-day help can be slower at peak times.

LUA ATMs

ATMs are most useful for small arrival cash needs in Nepal; compare fees before withdrawing large amounts.

LUA currency exchange

Currency desks at Tenzing-Hillary Airport are convenient after arrival, but city rates may be better for larger exchanges.

LUA car rental

Save LUA as your return point and follow airport rental-car signs rather than only city directions.

Tenzing-Hillary Airport airport hotels

Airport hotels near Tenzing-Hillary Airport are useful for early departures, long layovers, and weather-sensitive connections.

LUA medical help

For urgent health needs at LUA, ask airport staff for first aid or the nearest medical room.

LUA charging

At Tenzing-Hillary Airport, charge devices before boarding if you rely on mobile boarding passes, maps, or rideshare pickup.

LUA business travel

Tenzing-Hillary Airport business travelers should verify lounge, workspace, and fast-track options before peak departure waves.

LUA family travel

Families using LUA should confirm stroller rules, family rooms, and walking distances before security.

Tenzing-Hillary Airport transportation

LUA taxi and rideshare

Taxi or rideshare is the simplest choice at LUA when arriving late or carrying luggage into Lukla.

LUA train or metro

Tenzing-Hillary Airport travelers should check rail or metro options first, because large Asia gateways often have strong fixed-link access.

LUA bus and coaches

Bus service is usually the best-value option for Lukla, but confirm stop location and operating hours for early departures from LUA.

LUA driving and car rental

Because LUA sits at elevation, check road weather and traffic before relying on tight car-return timing.

Tenzing-Hillary Airport location

LUA

Tenzing-Hillary Airport

27.6868, 86.7295

Syangboche Airport

14 km from LUA

Phaplu Airport

24 km from LUA

Rumjatar Airport

46 km from LUA

Lamidanda Airport

49 km from LUA

Tenzing-Hillary Airport traveler tips

LUA tip 1

Check the departure board before settling in; smaller schedules can cluster around a few busy waves.

LUA tip 2

Weather and aircraft performance can be more noticeable at this elevation, so protect connection buffers.

LUA tip 3

Confirm ground transport availability for late arrivals, especially outside the main city center.

LUA tip 4

For photos and window views, note the field orientation around 27.69 latitude and 86.73 longitude.

LUA tip 5

Morning departures are often smoother when you pre-book parking, rideshare, or rail tickets.

LUA tip 6

Expect dense peak waves at major Asian hubs; rail or metro links are often the most predictable choice when available.

Tenzing-Hillary Airport FAQ

Where is Tenzing-Hillary Airport located?

Tenzing-Hillary Airport (LUA) is located in Lukla, Nepal, at coordinates 27.6868, 86.7295.

What is the IATA code for Tenzing-Hillary Airport?

The IATA code for Tenzing-Hillary Airport is LUA. Its ICAO code is VNLK.

Is Tenzing-Hillary Airport a large airport?

Tenzing-Hillary Airport is classified as a medium airport in the OurAirports dataset and reads as a regional airport in this guide. The airport is easier to read than the largest hubs, but schedules can cluster around regional arrival and departure waves.

How early should I arrive at LUA?

For Tenzing-Hillary Airport, arrive earlier during morning and evening departure banks. International travelers should generally plan more buffer than domestic travelers, especially if bags or document checks are involved.

What elevation is Tenzing-Hillary Airport?

Tenzing-Hillary Airport is 9,380 feet above sea level; The airport sits at a high elevation, which can influence aircraft performance and weather patterns..

Does Tenzing-Hillary Airport have scheduled airline service?

Tenzing-Hillary Airport is marked as having scheduled service in the current airport dataset.

What city does LUA serve?

LUA primarily serves Lukla and the surrounding region.

Are there nearby airports to LUA?

Nearby comparison airports include Syangboche Airport (SYH) and Phaplu Airport (PPL).

What transport should I check first at LUA?

Expect dense peak waves at major Asian hubs; rail or metro links are often the most predictable choice when available. For Tenzing-Hillary Airport, compare fixed-link transit, official taxis, rideshare pickup, and hotel transfer options before arrival.

Tenzing-Hillary Airport related airports

BIR

Biratnagar Airport

Biratnagar, Nepal

Type

Medium Airport

Elevation

236 ft

AsiaGuide

JKR

Janakpur Airport

Janakpur, Nepal

Type

Medium Airport

Elevation

256 ft

AsiaGuide

KEP

Nepalgunj Airport

Nepalgunj, Nepal

Type

Medium Airport

Elevation

540 ft

AsiaGuide

PKR

Pokhara Domestic Airport

Pokhara, Nepal

Type

Medium Airport

Elevation

2,712 ft

AsiaGuide

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