Helicopter companies suspend all flights to Everest region

KATHMANDU: Helicopter companies have decided to suspend all flights to the Everest region with immediate effect from Sunday.

Issuing a statement on Sunday, the Airlines Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN), the industry lobby of airline companies in Nepal, said helicopter companies are unable to operate flights in the Everest region unless they are assured of the security of their aircraft.

A few days ago, Sagarmatha National Park Office, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality and different local organizations decided to ban commercial helicopter flights in the Everest region from January 1, citing impacts on the national parks’ environment and ecology.

“Given activities like erecting flags on helipads which made emergency landing difficult and statements from office-bearers of local clubs that they would punish captains who land choppers in the Everest region, AOAN has decided to suspend all helicopter flights in the Everest region with immediate effect until there is the assurance of security,” AOAN said in the statement.

AOAN has also said that short take-off and landing (STOL) operators will also gradually suspend their operations if they are not assured of security.

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