Nepal resumes rescue helicopter flights to Mount Everest amid local protests
Mar 7, 2025, 23:26 IST
Helicopters serve as a vital form of transportation here, since most of the hilly and isolated areas of Nepal don't have access to roads. However, the use of helicopters by mountaineering teams and tourists over challenging terrain in the Sagarmatha National Park, for a shortcut, has raised concern Also, although helicopters are essential for emergency evacuations, they are also commonly used to carry wealthy tourists and mountaineering teams, to avoid the difficult two-week walk to Everest Base Camp, which costs a whopping $1,000. This practice deprives local businesses and guides of a vital revenue stream that comes from trekkers spending days in villages along the traditional overland route.
In January 2025, Nepal's aviation authorities resumed helicopter rescue operations in the Everest region after a temporary suspension prompted by local protests. The Airlines Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN) had halted all flights in early January due to safety concerns, as local youths blocked landing sites with flags and warned pilots against landing.
Background:
Protests: Local communities in the Sagarmatha National Park, home to Mount Everest, expressed concerns over the environmental impact of frequent helicopter flights and the loss of income from trekkers who traditionally took the overland route.
Economic Implications: Helicopter flights, costing around $1,000, reduce the two-week trek to Everest Base Camp to just a day, depriving local businesses along the route of revenue from trekkers.
Current Status:
Rescue Flights: As of late January 2025, rescue flights have resumed on humanitarian grounds, while commercial flights remain suspended pending ongoing negotiations with local communities.
Tourism Impact: Over 50,000 tourists visit the Everest region annually, with helicopter flights averaging 15 per day in winter and up to 60 during peak seasons. The suspension of flights had significant implications for mountaineering activities and local economies.
The resumption of rescue operations is a positive development, but discussions continue to address the concerns of local communities regarding commercial helicopter services. Balancing the needs of the aviation and tourism sectors with the economic interests of local residents is crucial for sustainable trekking and climbing in the Everest region.