Nepal’s airlines have halted helicopter flights to the Everest region after locals angry over the environmental impact and loss of income from trekkers threatened landing sites in the Everest region, aviation officials said on Monday.
Helicopters are a major mode of transportation and are vital for emergency rescue in many remote areas of Nepal, which are often inaccessible by road.
But they are also being used to airlift mountaineering teams and tourists to challenging terrain in Sagarmatha National Park, home of Mount Everest.
For those who can afford the $1,000 price tag, helicopters reduce a two-week-long trip to Everest Base Camp to just one day – eliminating a major source of employment for hiking Nepalese. .
The Nepal Airlines Operators Association stopped all helicopter flights in the region on Sunday, citing security challenges.
It said local youth had erected barriers of flags at the landing sites and threatened action against the pilots who landed.
“We have suspended all our helicopter flights to the Everest region until the government assures safety for helicopter pilots and a separate location for emergency landings,” Pratap Jung Pandey, first vice-president of the association, told AFP. “
The suspension comes after growing debate between aviation authorities, companies and local authorities.
More than 50,000 tourists visit the Everest region each year, most of whom enter either by plane or helicopter.
According to the association, the Everest region sees about 15 helicopter flights per day in winter, which can increase to 60 per day during peak tourist season.
Sagarmatha National Park issued a notice in December banning commercial sightseeing helicopter flights from January, triggering a confrontation with aviation authorities.
“Geographically, it is a very sensitive area and uncontrolled helicopter flights are disturbing the environment,” Sushma Rana, the park’s conservation officer, told AFP in December after the ban was announced.
“Local businesses are also suffering as trekkers are turned away by flights.”
Local officials said the suspension was announced while negotiations were ongoing.
“We are going to hold talks to resolve the issue,” said local ward officer Laxman Adhikari.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
