KATHMANDU: Commercial helicopter flights to the Everest region have been suspended indefinitely due to safety concerns and escalating tensions between local communities and aviation authorities.
This comes after youth groups in the Khumbu region erected flag barriers on helipads, citing environmental and safety concerns over the increasing number of helicopter operations.
The youth groups have said only emergency flights will be allowed to land in the region.
Airline Operators Association of Nepal said all flights in the region will remain grounded until helicopter safety can be fully ensured.
The suspension follows disputes between local authorities, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), and helicopter companies.
Local residents, particularly from the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, have expressed dissatisfaction with the rising helicopter operations, which they argue negatively impact the environment, disrupt daily life, and create noise pollution.
Earlier on December 11, 2024, the Sagarmatha National Park had imposed a ban on leisure helicopter rides in the Everest region, effective from January 1, to address growing environmental concerns. The ban primarily targetted regions above 4,000 meters, aiming to reduce noise pollution and mitigate the environmental impact on forests, wildlife, and the local community.
Locals have also criticized the influx of commercial helicopter trips, which they claim harms local businesses and tourism by reducing foot traffic.
Despite previous discussions between local stakeholders and aviation authorities, no consensus has been reached regarding the regulation of flights.
The rural municipality has issued guidelines aimed at limiting helicopter flights above Lukla to reduce environmental damage, but disagreements persist.
In response, helicopter companies, while acknowledging the concerns of local communities, have agreed to suspend all commercial operations in the region.
Companies, however, emphasize that the suspension could harm both the local economy and tourism, with some operators suggesting that the issue may require further dialogue to find a balanced solution.
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