Imagine you're a pilot preparing to fly to Nepal's Gorkha region. Accurate airport codes are essential for completing your flight plan successfully. So what is Gorkha Airport's ICAO code, and what critical information does it reveal about this remote airstrip? From a data analyst's perspective, let's examine the airport's key metrics to uncover the answers.
Gorkha Airport: Basic Information
Gorkha Airport, also known as Palungtar Airport, serves Nepal's mountainous region. Its IATA code is GKH, while its ICAO code—our primary focus—is VNGK. These alphanumeric identifiers are crucial components of the global air transport system, serving as unique signatures for airports that pilots, air traffic controllers, and aviation analysts rely on daily.
Beyond these codes, several other data points provide valuable operational information:
- Official Name: Gorkha Airport (alternate name: Palungtar Airport)
- Country: Nepal
- Elevation: 1,460 feet (approximately 445 meters) above sea level—a critical factor affecting aircraft performance during takeoff and landing
- Geographic Coordinates: 28° 2' 60.00" N latitude, 84° 28' 58.81" E longitude—precise location data essential for navigation systems
The ICAO Code: Aviation's Universal Language
The four-letter ICAO code, assigned by the International Civil Aviation Organization, serves as a global identifier for airports, weather stations, and air traffic services. Unlike IATA codes (primarily used for passenger bookings and baggage handling), ICAO codes are fundamental to flight operations, planning, and air traffic control.
Gorkha Airport's VNGK designation follows ICAO's standardized coding system. The first letters typically indicate the region or country—in this case, "VN" represents South Asia, specifically Nepal. Subsequent letters further distinguish individual airports within the region.
Data Analysis: Operational Significance
Understanding airport codes is just the beginning. Aviation professionals must interpret how these data points translate into operational realities:
- Flight Planning: Pilots incorporate ICAO codes, elevation data, and coordinates to calculate flight duration, fuel requirements, and navigation routes
- Air Traffic Control: Controllers use these identifiers to monitor aircraft movement and maintain safe separation between flights
- Aviation Analytics: Data analysts leverage airport codes to evaluate traffic patterns, operational efficiency, and safety metrics—insights that drive infrastructure improvements and service enhancements
Challenges and Opportunities at Gorkha
This mountainous airport presents unique operational considerations:
- Complex Terrain: The surrounding Himalayan landscape demands advanced piloting skills for takeoffs and landings
- Unpredictable Weather: Rapidly changing mountain conditions can create sudden operational challenges
- Limited Infrastructure: Compared to major international hubs, Gorkha's facilities remain relatively basic
Despite these challenges, significant development potential exists:
- Tourism Growth: As the historic Gorkha region attracts more visitors, improved airport facilities could stimulate local economic development
- Regional Connectivity: Strategic upgrades could position the airport as a vital link between Nepal's mountainous areas and lowland regions
The thorough analysis of Gorkha Airport's ICAO code and related operational data demonstrates how such information forms the foundation of modern aviation. As the industry evolves, data-driven decision-making will increasingly shape safer, more efficient air travel worldwide. For aviation professionals, mastering these technical details—and understanding their practical applications—remains an essential competency.