KATHMANDU, JANUARY 21
Tara Air, Sita Air, and Summit Air said they would continue flights from Kathmandu to Lukla despite the ongoing disputes between the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu local authorities and aviation regulatory bodies over helicopter operations to the Everest region. Heli operators halted flights to the Everest region citing security issue after local youth groups warned against rampant commercial heli flights in the everest region. They have also placed flag barriers on various helipads.
The decision to maintain flight services comes after the Airlines Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN) warned of a complete suspension of all flights in Solukhumbu district if helicopter operations were not resumed. The AOAN also cautioned about the potential suspension of Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) flights in the region.
Rapke Sherpa, Chief of Tara Air said they conducted two flights to Lukla from Kathmandu this morning. "We will never halt flights to Lukla," he said, flight suspension was not a solution to current dispute between heli operators and Khumbu locals.
Similarly, Sita Air Kathmandu Office informed that it also operated two flights to Lukla this morning.
After maintainance of its aircraft, Summit Air will also continue its scheduled flights to Lukla from January 26, said officials.
In a press release issued on January 15, the AOAN stated that the suspension of helicopter operations is causing significant financial losses for aviation companies and damaging Nepal's international tourism reputation. The ongoing suspension has led to flight cancellations, affecting tourist plans and potentially diverting visitors to other destinations.
The AOAN has urged the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, the Ministry of Forests, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and other relevant authorities to take immediate action to restore flight operations.
A stakeholder meeting scheduled for January 24 aims to resolve the issue, but the aviation sector has called for a resolution by January 23 to prevent further economic harm.
