The Everest region, one of Nepal’s premier tourist hubs, generates significant revenue for helicopter companies. However, a decision to ban commercial helicopter flights in the region starting January 1, 2025, has sparked strong opposition from operators.

The Sagarmatha National Park Office, Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality, the Sagarmatha National Park Buffer Zone Management Committee, and local stakeholders made the decision recently.

Helicopter operators warn that the ban will have devastating effects on their businesses. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), the country’s aviation regulator, has contested the decision, asserting that air travel regulation falls solely under its jurisdiction and cannot be enforced by other entities.

According to operators, the Everest region accounts for 60-70 percent of Nepal’s daily helicopter flights in the tourist season. A ban would result in severe financial losses, they say.

Pratap Jung Pandey, managing director of Kailash Helicopter Services Pvt. Ltd., said his company operates 8-10 daily flights to the region during peak tourist seasons—spring and autumn—representing about 60 percent of their total operations. “The Sagarmatha National Park is a major attraction for trekkers and climbers. This decision will not only harm helicopter businesses but also tarnish Nepal’s global reputation,” Pandey said.

Similarly, Manoj Karki, another operator, called the ban “unacceptable,” emphasizing that most helicopter companies depend heavily on flights to the Everest region. “During the tourist season, nearly 70 percent of all helicopter operations take place in areas like Khumbu and Lukla,” he added.

Operators recently met with CAAN officials for clarification after receiving a formal notification from the Sagarmatha National Park Office instructing them to cease commercial flights in the park’s core and buffer zones.

Karki criticised the park’s decision, arguing that it exceeded their authority. “Airspace regulation is CAAN’s responsibility, and we don’t understand the basis for this decision,” he said.

The park, in a public notice on December 12, cited concerns about noise pollution, disruption to wildlife, and the impact of “uncontrolled” helicopter operations on local businesses and jobs. 

“During the tourist season, up to 100 helicopter flights occur daily, causing noise pollution that drives wildlife away from their habitats,” said Sushma Rana, Senior Conservation Officer at Sagarmatha National Park. She also noted that helicopters frequently land in the park without permission, violating regulations.

Rana clarified that the ban applies only to commercial flights, with rescue and cargo flights remaining permitted.

The notice warned that violations of the ban would result in action under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1973 and the Himalayan National Park Regulations, 1979.

Mingmachhiri Sherpa, Chairman of Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality, defended the decision, highlighting its intent to boost employment for trekking guides and porters. “Tourists used to spend 10-12 days trekking in the area. Now, many rely on helicopters, reducing their stay and impacting local businesses,” Sherpa explained. He added that rescue flights would continue with recommendations from local hospitals.

CAAN has maintained that the ban cannot be enforced without a government directive.

“The NEA has instructed helicopter companies to continue operations until the government issues such a decision in the Nepal Gazette,” said CAAN Information Officer Gyanendra Bhul.

CAAN spokesperson Hansraj Pandey stressed that the authority to regulate air travel rests solely with CAAN. “Other bodies cannot impose restrictions on flight operations without a formal government notice,” he said.

The Airline Operators Association of Nepal also expressed its defiance, stating that flights would continue under CAAN’s guidance. “Operators will not comply with unilateral decisions by other entities,” the association declared.