Nepal: Helicopters grounded in Everest region after angry protests over climate concerns

Nepal’s airlines have suspended helicopter services to the Everest region following threats to landing sites by locals upset over environmental damage and loss of income from trekkers, aviation officials said on Monday.

Helicopters, essential for transport and rescue in Nepal’s remote areas, have increasingly been used to ferry mountaineering teams and tourists across Sagarmatha National Park, home to Mount Everest. Offering a $1,000 shortcut to the base camp, helicopters eliminate the traditional two-week trek, impacting jobs for Nepalis supporting hikers.

The Airlines Operators Association of Nepal grounded all flights to the region on Sunday, citing security concerns.

It said local youths had erected barriers of flags at landing sites, and threatened action against pilots who land.

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“We have suspended all our helicopter flights to the Everest region until the government gives assurance of security for helicopter pilots and a separate spot for emergency landing,” Pratap Jung Pandey, first-vice president of the association, told AFP.

The suspension comes after escalating arguments between the aviation authorities, companies and local officials.

Over 50,000 tourists visit the Everest region every year, mostly entering either in a plane or a helicopter.

According to the association, the Everest region sees about 15 helicopter flights per day in the winter, a number that can surge to 60 daily during the peak tourist season.

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Sagarmatha National Park in December issued a notice banning commercial sight-seeing helicopter flights from January, sparking a conflict with aviation officials.

“Geologically, this a very sensitive area and the rampant helicopter flights are disturbing the environment,” the park’s conservation officer Sushma Rana told AFP in December, after the ban was announced.

“The local businesses are also losing out because the trekkers are whisked away by flights.”

Local officials said the suspension was announced while negotiations had been ongoing.

“We are going to hold talks to resolve this issue,” said Laxman Adhikari, a local ward official.

With inputs from agencies.