Tara and Sita Air Amid Helicopter Operation Disputes: Kathmandu, January 21, 2025 — Despite ongoing tensions between Khumbu Pasang Lhamu local authorities and aviation regulatory bodies over helicopter operations in the Everest region, Tara Air and Sita Air have affirmed their commitment to continue flights from Kathmandu to Lukla. Helicopter operators had previously suspended flights to the Everest area, citing security concerns after local youth groups warned against the proliferation of commercial helicopter flights and placed flag barriers on various helipads.
Airlines’ Commitment to Service
Rapke Sherpa, Chief of Tara Air, stated that two flights to Lukla were conducted from Kathmandu this morning. He emphasized, “We will never halt flights to Lukla,” asserting that flight suspension is not a solution to the current dispute between helicopter operators and Khumbu locals. Similarly, Sita Air’s Kathmandu office reported operating two flights to Lukla this morning. Officials also mentioned that after maintenance of its aircraft, Summit Air will resume its scheduled flights to Lukla from January 26.
AOAN’s Warning and Economic Implications
The Airlines Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN) has expressed concern over the suspension of helicopter operations, highlighting significant financial losses for aviation companies and potential damage to Nepal’s international tourism reputation. The ongoing suspension has led to flight cancellations, affecting tourist plans and potentially diverting visitors to other destinations. In a press release issued on January 15, the AOAN urged the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, the Ministry of Forests, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and other relevant authorities to take immediate action to restore flight operations. The association has warned that if the ban on private flights in the area is not lifted by January 23, it will suspend regular fixed-wing flights to Lukla and other areas of Solukhumbu district.
Upcoming Stakeholder Meeting
A stakeholder meeting is scheduled for January 24 to address the issue. However, the aviation sector has called for a resolution by January 23 to prevent further economic harm. The Chief District Officer of Solukhumbu, Anoj Kumar Ghimire, announced that the meeting aims to resolve the ongoing dispute. He stated, “The Sagarmatha National Park is ready to give the clearance for flight to this region, and we are now waiting for the municipality’s decision.” Ghimire emphasized the importance of maintaining essential services and expressed optimism about reaching a resolution during the upcoming meeting.
Background of the Dispute
The conflict began when the Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality halted all commercial helicopter charter flights for tourists to the Khumbu area on January 1, citing noise pollution and its negative impact on local communities and wildlife habitats. Following this decision, the Sagarmatha National Park Office in Namche issued a directive to 11 helicopter companies in Nepal, instructing them not to conduct commercial flights in the protected area. Although the park office has since reversed its decision, the municipality has continued to block various helipads, allowing only emergency rescue helicopter flights and prohibiting other tourist-related flights.
Impact on Tourism
The suspension of helicopter flights has significantly impacted tourism in the Everest region. After a week of flight cancellations due to adverse weather, as many as 1,155 tourists landed at Lukla Airport on October 21, 2024, following the resumption of flights. Tara Air, Summit Air, and Sita Air operated 47 flights, while helicopters from various companies conducted 130 flights to bring tourists to the mountain region. The recent suspension of helicopter operations threatens to disrupt tourism activities once again, leading to potential economic losses for local businesses and the broader tourism industry.
Conclusion
The ongoing dispute over helicopter operations in the Everest region underscores the need for a balanced approach that addresses both environmental concerns and the economic importance of tourism. As stakeholders prepare for the upcoming meeting on January 24, there is hope that a resolution can be reached to restore full flight operations and mitigate further economic harm to the region.
