Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality has announced a ban on helicopter flights in the Khumbu region starting from January 1, 2025 (Poush 17, 2081). The decision, which was made public through a press release, aims to address growing concerns over the negative impacts of excessive helicopter flights on the environment, wildlife, and local communities.
According to the rural municipality, the overuse of helicopters, particularly in areas from Lukla upwards, has been damaging the environment of the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its surrounding forests. The noise pollution from the helicopters has also been disrupting residents and tourists, affecting both their daily lives and the overall tourism experience. The high volume of helicopter flights has had a significant impact on local businesses and employment as well.
The decision to impose the ban was made after extensive consultations with residents, organizations, and stakeholders. It follows widespread complaints regarding unnecessary and commercial helicopter flights in the region, with calls for urgent action to preserve the region’s tourism routes, heritage, and natural beauty. The rural municipality emphasized the need for sustainable tourism development to maintain the region’s value as a global tourist destination.
Lhakpa Chiri Sherpa, the spokesperson for the municipality, confirmed that two meetings were held in the month of Mangsir (November-December 2024) with representatives from the rural municipality, various associations, and the Sagarmatha National Park Management Committee. These meetings resulted in the decision to halt non-essential helicopter flights in the region.
The new policy outlines that only rescue and necessary flying for high-altitude climbing will be permitted, provided that a referral from a local health institution is obtained. Furthermore, any helicopter flights for commercial purposes beyond the Lukla area will be banned starting from Poush 17, 2024 (January 1, 2025). These flights will only be allowed if they comply with the regulations set by the Sagarmatha National Park Act.
In the press release, the municipality also urged the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) and the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) to ensure that no helicopter flight packages are booked or sold for the Khumbu region from now on. They requested that all trekking and travel agencies, whether affiliated or not with TAAN, refrain from operating commercial helicopter flights in the area.
The municipality also stated that if any flights occur after the announcement and cause disruptions in the region, it will not be held accountable for any consequences. The decision is seen as a crucial step in ensuring the sustainable development of tourism in the region while safeguarding its unique cultural and natural heritage.
