KATHMANDU, JANUARY 15
Helicopter operations in the Everest region, including Sagarmatha National Park, have been obstructed and remain suspended due to ongoing disputes between local authorities and aviation regulatory bodies. Despite multiple discussions and negotiations, restrictions imposed by local groups have continued, according to a press release issued by the Airline Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN).
The suspension began on January 5, when AOAN ceased helicopter operations after local youth groups erected flag barriers on various helipads. These groups warned that any commercial helicopter flights would result in action against the crew, including forcing pilots to leave on foot. The locals cited concerns over forest conservation, wildlife safety, and environmental impacts within the park's buffer zones.
Due to safety concerns, AOAN stated it would only resume flights once helicopter and crew safety are assured. The association also hinted at a potential suspension of Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) flights in the region.
Prior to the suspension, on January 1, Sagarmatha National Park (SNP) issued a directive halting all commercial helicopter flights. The park management cited environmental and noise pollution concerns, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations to protect the park's ecosystems and wildlife.
Despite several meetings in Kathmandu and Lukla between AOAN, SNP, and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, no resolution was reached. Tensions escalated when Pradeep Adhikari, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), remarked on January 6 that rural municipalities and national parks had no authority to regulate airspace. His statement, made during the 26th CAAN Day, prompted local groups to strengthen their blockade of helipads.
In a social media post, the Amadablam Youth Group declared, "Apart from emergency rescues, if any helicopter lands for commercial purposes, locals will take control of the helicopter and send the pilot on foot to the heli company."
CAAN dismissed calls to halt commercial flights, asserting that aviation governance falls under federal jurisdiction per Nepal's Constitution and the Civil Aviation Act of 2015.
However, the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality maintained its stance, issuing new regulations on commercial helicopter operations. It stated that excessive helicopter flights in the upper region beyond Lukla had caused significant adverse impacts on the SNP and its buffer zone, which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The municipality also argued that excessive flights had reduced the time tourists spend in the region, negatively impacting local hospitality businesses, guides, and porters.
In reaction, the AOAN suspended all heli flights to the region.
In response to AOAN's flight suspension, the District Administration Office (DAO) of Solukhumbu on January 6, issued a press release warning of legal action against individuals or groups obstructing helicopter flights. On the same day, SNP eased its restrictions, stating that while committed to protecting the region's unique ecosystems, it recognizes the economic contributions brought by tourism. The helicopter operations will be permitted as long as they adhere to existing laws, prioritize safety, obtain required permissions, pay applicable taxes, and operate without harming biodiversity, wildlife, or forested areas, SNP said in the press release.
Despite these developments, flag barriers remained in place as local youth groups continued to demand tighter control over flight frequency. They argued that unrestricted helicopter tourism was undermining the economic fabric of the region. The locals also argue that heavy and non-essential flights have negatively impacted the fragile mountain ecosystem and could have long-lasting environmental consequences. They point out that the environmental impacts include noise pollution, which can disturb the unique ecosystems, forests, wildlife, and cultural heritage of the Everest region. They are also concerned that the sound and vibrations caused by the heavy helicopter flights could trigger avalanches and glacial outbursts, similar to the flood that occurred in Thame village. Additionally, they accuse the helicopters of flying too low, which affects both wildlife and the overall ecosystem.
Although Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality on January 10 expressed willingness to resolve the issue through dialogue. The barriers to operations at various helipads persisted.
Issuing a press release today, the AOAN, said that the suspension of helicopter operations is causing significant financial losses for aviation companies and harming Nepal's international reputation.
"The restriction on helicopter flights has caused significant financial losses to airline operators and is tarnishing Nepal's international reputation as a tourism destination," stated Manoj Karki, President of the AOAN. "With tourism still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, these actions threaten the entire sector, impacting foreign currency earnings and government revenues."
The Khumbu region, home to Mount Everest, is a major attraction for trekkers and climbers. Helicopter services are vital for emergency evacuations, transporting goods, and supporting infrastructure projects. The ongoing suspension has led to flight cancellations, forcing tourists to reconsider their travel plans, potentially diverting them to other countries, the AOAN further stated in the press release.
The AOAN has called for immediate intervention from the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, the Ministry of Forests, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and other relevant authorities to restore flight operations. A stakeholder meeting scheduled for January 24, aims to resolve the matter, but the aviation sector has requested a resolution by January 22, to avoid further economic damage.
"If a solution is not found, all Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) member airlines operating in Solukhumbu district may be forced to suspend their services entirely," warned Karki. He apologized in advance to passengers and the general public for any inconvenience.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to lawful operations and stressed that any attempt to disrupt aviation violates constitutional rights and existing laws. It also reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and coordination with the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality and other stakeholders to find a solution while urging to recognize the contribution made by the flight operations in the region.
