Kathmandu: The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality has formally opposed the operation of commercial helicopter flights in the Everest region, citing local stakeholders’ concerns. In a letter to the District Administration Office (DAO) in Solukhumbu on Sunday, the municipality stated that stakeholders have only agreed to limited helicopter operations under strict regulations.
The decision follows a meeting held at the DAO on January 24, where stakeholders discussed the resumption of helicopter flights. While rescue flights will continue, new guidelines will be introduced, incorporating recommendations from health professionals and requiring self-declarations from patients. Additionally, mountain flights have been permitted for one-touch landings below 4,300 meters, and expedition-related cargo flights will be allowed up to Pangboche with prior approval required for other helicopter-based cargo transport.
Stakeholders have committed to finalizing an agreement within 15 days to regulate helicopter operations and establish protocols for rescue flights directly to Kathmandu. However, after further discussions with local communities, the rural municipality reaffirmed its stance against regular commercial flights, emphasizing the need for community consensus before any resumption.
With local opposition firm, the future of commercial helicopter operations in the Everest region remains uncertain.