Lukla Airport
Jumping off point for a climb up Mt. Everest is the most dangerous airport in the worldThere is no safety net at Lukla Airport. If you don't take off successfully, the 1500-foot runway abruptly drops off into a river valley below, sending your plane hurtling to a violent end thousands of feet up in the Himalayas.
Although it isn't the highest airport in the world, it is certainly one of the most dangerous. Situated 9000 feet above sea level, the runway is flanked by the rugged Himalayas on all sides. Similar to Paro Airport, the geography affords no misstep in landing or takeoff.
The runway itself is at a 12% incline, which necessitates even more skill and careful planning on the part of the pilot, not to mention the clouds that obscure the runway on a regular basis. Fittingly, the airport is the gateway to climbing Mount Everest, allowing thrill seekers to begin their adventure the second their plane begins heading for Lukla.
Read more about Lukla Airport on Atlas Obscura...
Category: Architectural Oddities
Location: Lukla, Nepal
Edited by: atimian