Jan 05, Kathmandu- The Airline Operators Association of Nepal has decided to suspend helicopter flights in the Everest region.

The association said in a statement that it has decided to suspend helicopter flights of all airlines from Sunday, citing concerns over helicopter safety. The Union has warned that air flights will be gradually suspended until security is guaranteed in that area.

Sagarmatha National Park, Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality and other local youth groups and organizations had banned helicopter flights since Paush 17, saying that helicopter flights and landings in the park area posed additional challenges to the safety and habitat conservation of the park's forests, environment, and wildlife.

The Airline Operators Association has said that despite repeated talks on the issue, no resolution has been reached and that helicopters will not fly until security is guaranteed due to the flag vehicle obstruction at the helipad in the Khumbu region. The association also stated that even if an emergency landing is required due to obstruction by locals, there is no place to land and local groups have threatened to take action against the crew members.

The association has also stated in the statement that airlines operating flights to the Everest National Park area will gradually suspend their flights if full security is not guaranteed.