Kathmandu, February 14
Seven major tourism organisations have demanded the immediate removal of the ban on commercial helicopter flights in the Sagarmatha National Park area.
The Airlines Operators Association, Expedition Operators Association of Nepal, Hotel Association Nepal (HAN), Confederation of Nepalese Industries, Nepal Mountaineering Association, Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN), and Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) issued a joint statement urging the authorities to lift the ban.
The organisations argued that the restriction is unlawful and could send a negative message internationally, potentially crippling Nepal’s tourism industry.
“If the ban continues, helicopter companies will face severe financial losses, possibly forcing them to shut down, leading to job losses and affecting the livelihoods of employees and their families. Stakeholders must address this issue through dialogue and negotiation immediately,” the statement read.
The ban on commercial helicopter flights and landings in the Everest region was imposed on January 1, by the Sagarmatha National Park, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, local youth groups, and other organisations.
Despite multiple rounds of discussions between stakeholders and authorities, no resolution has been reached, and helicopter operations in the region remain obstructed, according to the Airlines Operators Association.
