Nepal’s airlines have halted helicopter flights to the Everest region after locals angry at the environmental impact and loss of income from trekkers threatened landing sites, aviation officials said.
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Helicopters are a key means of transport and crucial for emergency rescue in many of Nepal’s remote regions, often inaccessible by road.
But they have also been increasingly used to airlift mountaineering teams and tourists over the challenging terrains in the Sagarmatha National Park, home to Mount Everest.
For those who can afford the US$1,000 price tag, helicopters reduce the two-week long trek to Everest base camp to just a day – removing a key source of employment for Nepalis supporting those making the long hike in.
The Airlines Operators Association of Nepal grounded all helicopter flights to the region on Sunday citing security challenges.
It said local youths had erected barriers of flags at landing sites, and threatened action against pilots who land.
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