Commercial Chopper Ban in Everest

Published: Monday, Jan 06, 2025

Due to safety concerns expressed by locals, commercial helicopter flights to the Everest region have been grounded. Airlines were forced to halt operations when residents and youth organizations constructed obstacles on landing sites and threatened to take action against crew members.

After failing to come to an agreement with Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality about the regulation of helicopter traffic, the Airline Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN) declared the suspension.

The environmental effects of frequent helicopter flights, such as noise pollution and disturbance of wildlife habitats, worry the locals. Additionally, they contend that by displacing trekkers who would otherwise hike down, helicopters are harming their businesses by lowering foot traffic and tourism-related income.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) reversed previous regulations that the rural municipality had established that limited the use of commercial helicopters. Locals became so irritated that they blocked landing pads in an attempt to resolve the issue.

Companies that operate helicopters are prepared to work with residents and reduce their negative effects on the environment. They have decided to restrict cargo helicopter operations to designated areas and conduct mountain flights at higher elevations in order to lessen noise pollution. On the management of commercial passenger flights, however, no consensus has been established.

All commercial helicopter flights to the Everest region are now suspended while negotiations continue. (6 Jan 2025)