Commercial helicopter flights to the Everest region have been suspended until further notice owing to safety concerns.
Issuing a press statement today, the Airline Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN) announced suspension of all flights to the region after locals and youth groups erected flag barriers on various helipads in the region and warned of action against crew members.
According to Pratap Jung Pandey, first vice-president of AOAN, all flights in that area have been suspended from today until helicopter safety is fully guaranteed.
Meanwhile, the District Administration Office, Solukhumbu, has expressed serious concerns over unauthorized restrictions on helicopter flights to various helipads in the district.
This comes after the Airline Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN) announced the suspension of flights to the region following actions by local youth groups, who erected flag barriers on helipads and threatened helicopter crews.
In a press release issued on Monday, Solukhumbu DAO noted that public complaints have been received regarding the negative impact of these restrictions on disaster response, medical rescues, and tourism.
The DAO warned that legal action will be taken against individuals or groups obstructing helicopter operations.
The Sagarmatha National Park (SNP) had previously issued a directive to halt all commercial helicopter flights from January 1, citing environmental and noise pollution concerns and the need for stricter regulation of business activities in the region. However, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) dismissed calls for a flight suspension, urging companies to continue operations.
Despite multiple discussions involving AOAN, SNP, and local authorities, no resolution has been reached.In response to the escalating issue, AOAN warned that short takeoff and landing (STOL) airlines operating in the area may also suspend services unless safety is assured.
