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Letter report on mountain airports

Short answer

I inspected Lukla (527 m, cracked surface, poor drainage), Jomsom (740 m, worn surface, no fence), and Simikot (550 m, loose edges). Common problems: short runways, unpredictable weather, lacking equipment. Recommendations: resurface runways, improve drainage, install weather stations, add fire-fighting vehicles, enforce safety limits.

You have been asked by the Ministry of Civil Aviation of Nepal to inspect any three airports of mountainous areas of Nepal. Supposing that you have conducted your survey, write a letter report focusing on existing conditions and recommendations. Invent necessary details.

Er. Sunil Gurung
Aviation Consultant
Putalisadak, Kathmandu
20 November 2026

The Secretary
Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation
Singha Durbar, Kathmandu

Subject: Report on inspection of three mountain airports

Dear Sir,

As requested in your letter of 2 October 2026, I inspected
the airports at Lukla, Jomsom and Simikot from 5 to 15
November 2026. This letter reports their existing
condition and my recommendations.

Existing conditions

AirportRunwayCondition
Lukla (Solukhumbu)About 527 m, steep slopeSurface cracked in places; poor drainage; terminal crowded in the tourist season; limited weather information
Jomsom (Mustang)About 740 mStrong afternoon winds; worn surface; no proper fence, so animals sometimes enter; old terminal
Simikot (Humla)About 550 m, short and narrowLoose edges; poor drainage; old fire-fighting equipment; no instrument navigation aids

Common problems at all three: unpredictable weather, short runways, a shortage of trained staff and navigational equipment, a lack of emergency rescue vehicles, and small maintenance budgets.

Recommendations

  1. Resurface the runways and improve the drains and the perimeter fences.
  2. Install modern weather stations, wind sensors and radio navigation aids.
  3. Provide fire-fighting and rescue vehicles, and train staff every year.
  4. Enlarge the terminals and add safe waiting areas and passenger facilities.
  5. Allow flights only in approved visual and weather conditions, and set load limits.
  6. Create a maintenance fund for each airport.

I believe that these steps will improve the safety and reliability of the airports. I would be glad to give a detailed technical report if you wish.

Yours faithfully, Er. Sunil Gurung

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

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