The Airlines Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN) and Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality continue to remain at odds over the operation of commercial helicopter flights in the Everest region.
Citing concerns about noise pollution, disruption to wildlife, and adverse impacts on local livelihoods, the Sagarmatha National Park Office, Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality, the Sagarmatha National Park Buffer Zone Management Committee, and other stakeholders collectively imposed a ban on commercial helicopter flights within the park and its buffer zone, effective January 1, 2025.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), the national aviation regulator, has opposed the ban, asserting that air travel regulations fall under its jurisdiction and cannot be enforced without government directives.
Although the park office lifted the ban on January 6 , the rural municipality has maintained its stance, permitting only rescue, ceiling and mountain flights that comply with park regulations.
A notice issued on December 16 explicitly warned trekking agencies against offering packages that include helicopter services beyond Lukla, stating that the municipality would not take responsibility for disruptions caused by violations.
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On January 9, the municipality criticized the park office for its unilateral decision to lift the ban, accusing aviation companies of prioritizing profits over the sustainability of the Everest region.
Speaking to New Business Age on Sunday, January 26, Mingma Chhiri Sherpa, Chairman of the rural municipality, confirmed that no commercial helicopter flights have operated in the region since the ban came into effect.
“We have not banned other types of flights, such as ceiling flights, rescue operations, or mountain flights,” Sherpa reiterated, adding that further discussions might lead to a resolution.
The AOAN, however, has repeatedly threatened to halt all services to the district, citing safety concerns.
In a January 5 statement , the association of private carriers alleged that local groups had planted flags on helipads and threatened crew members to obstruct flight operations, rendering even emergency landings unfeasible.
“There is no assurance of safety for helicopter operations under the current circumstances,” the statement read. The AOAN also warned of suspending STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) flights if safety concerns remain unresolved.
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In another notice issued on January 15, the AOAN reiterated its position, threatening to suspend all flights to Solukhumbu district starting January 22 if a resolution was not reached.
Sherpa refuted AOAN’s claims, stating, “The locals had only warned against the operation of commercial helicopter flights. Any hindrance to landings has been removed.”
CAAN Spokesperson Hansraj Pandey told New Business Age on Sunday that STOL flights to Solukhumbu are operating as usual.
“While discussions are ongoing, commercial helicopter flights have not resumed yet,” Pandey said.
Multiple attempts to reach AOAN members for comment were unsuccessful.
Sagarmatha National Park, established in 1976 and spanning 1,148 square kilometers, is home to endangered species such as snow leopards and red pandas, as well as Mount Everest. The park’s buffer zone, designated in 2002, covers settlements across 275 square kilometers.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, the Everest region generates significant revenue for Nepal’s tourism industry, with helicopter services playing a crucial role in supporting trekkers, climbers, and rescue operations.
