Helicopter flights suspended in the Khumbu region

KATHMANDU, Jan 06:The Airlines Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN) has suspended helicopter flights in the Khumbu region. The AOAN issued a press release on Sunday, indicating that helicopter flights in the Khumbu region are being disrupted and have been halted until full security is restored.

According to the press release, "All flights in the Khumbu region have been suspended since January 5, until full security is ensured." The region's airlines have also been notified that if proper security is not ensured, they will eventually cease their flights.

The Sagarmatha National Park, Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality, and other local youth groups and organizations banned commercial helicopter flights on January 1, citing concerns that helicopter flights and landings in the park area posed an additional threat to the safety and habitat protection of the park's forests, environment, and wildlife.

The AOAN stated that after repeated discussions between AOAN officials and concerned officials on the helicopter flight ban, no agreement has been achieved, and impediments have been erected at the helipad in the Khumbu region.