The Airlines Operators Association of Nepal has announced that it will not cease flights in the Khumbu region, despite a directive from Sagarmatha National Park to halt helicopter operations in the area.
The association expressed its objection to the circular issued by the national park and confirmed its decision to continue flights. In a press release issued late Thursday, the association stated that helicopters operating in the region have been flying with approval from the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, as well as the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). It asserted that the park’s directive to suspend flights exceeds its jurisdiction and, therefore, does not compel compliance.
“Our member airlines will continue flights to the current destinations with approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal,” the statement read. The association has also urged all its member airlines to ensure operations comply with existing legal frameworks.
Earlier, on Wednesday, Sagarmatha National Park had issued a letter to the association, instructing it to stop helicopter flights in the Khumbu region.
