Helicopter services in Everest region still grounded

Kathmandu, February 13 — The ongoing issue with regular helicopter flights in the Mount Everest region remains unresolved, even after more than a month and a half.

Helicopter services have been suspended since January 1, and despite repeated efforts, they have not yet resumed.

The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, local youth groups, and other organizations, along with the Sagarmatha National Park, imposed a restriction on helicopter flights starting January 1.

Since then, even emergency helicopter flights have been halted by the helicopter companies.

A meeting held on January 25 led to an agreement where service providers were expected to lift the ban on emergency services and negotiate for regular flights.

However, despite multiple meetings, the concerned parties have not shown readiness to lift the restriction.

Recently, Sagarmatha National Park has backed off from its decision to stop helicopter flights.

Due to the continued flight ban, seven organizations related to the tourism sector have pressured the authorities to resolve the issue through dialogue and negotiation.

The meeting, organized by the Nepal Airlines Operaters Association on Monday, was attended by representatives from the Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal Mountaineering Association, Nepal Trekking Agencies Association (NATA), Hotel Association Nepal, and others.

The ban and restrictions have already started sending a negative message internationally and could potentially devastate the tourism industry.

Moreover, helicopter companies are facing significant financial burdens, which may force them to shut down operations and cause job losses for their employees.

The sector is now united and determined to work together with airline operators and members of the Nepal Airlines Association to resolve the issues at hand.