AOAN warn to halting all flights in Solukhumbu district

KATHMANDU, Jan 16:Airline companies have warned to halt all air operations in Solukhumbu district after the local government failed to remove an obstruction to helicopter flights in the Khumbu region.

The Airline Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN) issued a press release on Wednesday warning that air traffic in the district would be halted, citing Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality's continued obstruction of helicopter operations.

Although the District Administration Office has warned that action will be taken against those who obstruct helicopter flights, the rural municipality has set a deadline of January 22 to remedy the issue, claiming that it is still obstructing numerous helipads.

"We strongly urge you to resolve the issue by ensuring complete security by January 22." Otherwise, we would want to advise the relevant parties that even short takeoff and landing (STOL) member airlines operating within Solukhumbu may be forced to halt all aviation services," said Manoj Karki, president of the AOAN, in a statement.

Helicopter flights have been prohibited in the Khumbu region since December 27. More than ten mountain flights take place in the Khumbu region every day, but they are currently closed. As a result, the helicopter company loses almost 10 million rupees in revenue per day.

Solukhumbu District Chief Anoj Kumar Ghimire informed that a meeting will be held on January 24 to address the issue.

'‘The day for flights to Sagarmatha National Park has already been prepared. We are now awaiting the verdict of the municipality. "The municipality has held a village meeting." Ghimire stated, 'Our belief is that essential services should not be closed for whatever reason. We organized a meeting on January 24 with all parties to discuss this issue.