Commercial helicopter flights banned in Khumbu region starting January 2025

KATHMANDU: Helicopter flights have caused excessive noise pollution, adversely affecting wildlife habitats in the core areas and settlements in the buffer zones of Sagarmatha National Park. Citing these concerns, all commercial helicopter flights will be completely banned starting from January 1, 2025 (Poush 17, 2081 BS). The Sagarmatha National Park Office in Namche announced this decision on Wednesday, directing 11 helicopter companies operating in Nepal not to conduct commercial charter flights carrying tourists in the area starting January 1.

During the peak mountaineering season, helicopters will no longer be allowed to transport supplies for expedition teams. Goods transported by helicopters to specific locations in the Khumbu region will need to be carried further by porters or yaks. Wealthy tourists seeking helicopter rides for a one-way or round trip to explore the Everest region will now have to trek to the Everest Base Camp.

The park authority has issued directives to companies such as Air Dynasty, Prabhu, Kailash, Annapurna, Mountain, Altitude, Fishtail, Shree, Simrik, Heli Everest, and Manang Air to comply with the new rules. Letters have been sent to the Nepali Army’s Bhagwati Prasad Battalion in Namche and the Sagarmatha National Park Buffer Zone Management Committee in Mendalphu to monitor and implement the decision. Coordination has also been sought from the Area Police Office in Namche, the District Administration Office in Salleri, and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation.

The Sagarmatha National Park Office stated that uncontrolled helicopter operations in the park and buffer zones have escalated challenges in conserving the forest, environment, wildlife, and their habitats. The letter sent to helicopter companies emphasized that excessive noise pollution from helicopter flights is also disturbing settlements in the park and buffer zones, and there is a potential risk of criminal activities, including poaching.

Senior Conservation Officer Sushma Rana noted complaints that helicopter operations have negatively affected local businesses and employment in the Khumbu region. A meeting held on Tuesday with the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, the Sagarmatha National Park Buffer Zone Management Committee, and local stakeholders, including governmental and non-governmental organizations, decided to regulate helicopter operations to address these issues.

Currently, helicopters are chartered from Kathmandu, Ramechhap, and Lukla for transporting goods and tourists or for local rescues in the Khumbu region. The park authority warned that violations of these new rules would breach the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act of 2029 BS (1973 AD), the Himalayan National Park Regulations of 2036 BS (1979 AD), and other prevailing laws.

Previously, helicopter companies were required to obtain permits for flights, but enforcement of these regulations has been ineffective. In emergencies requiring the evacuation of tourists or trekkers, only helicopters equipped with the necessary tools will be allowed to operate. Additionally, any such evacuation must have a verbal or written recommendation from the local ward office, the relevant buffer zone user committee, or the nearest health post.

Cargo transportation by helicopters beyond Pangboche is also prohibited. Tourism operators will no longer be permitted to transport goods to Everest Base Camp via helicopters during the climbing season and will need to rely on yaks or porters for cargo transport above Pangboche.

The park authority stated that it reserves the right to inspect helicopter flights, landings, and hovering operations at any time, with inspections to be carried out by park officials and the Nepali Army.

The Airline Operators Association of Nepal has scheduled a meeting with all its members on Thursday to discuss the park’s decision, according to Association President Manoj Karki. The association plans to release its formal position on the matter on Thursday.