Nepal Bans ‘Non-Essential Flights’ By Helicopters After Deadly Crash

Nepal's aviation regulator has banned helicopters from conducting "non-essential" flights, including those for sight-seeing, for two months after a deadly crash in the Everest region in which six people were killed.

On July 11, five Mexican tourists and the Nepali pilot of a small helicopter operated by the private Manang Air company were killed when their chopper crashed while returning from viewing Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest. 

Taking to Twitter, Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) wrote, “Non-essential flights like mountain flights, external load operations (sling flights) and showering of flowers by helicopters (will) be restricted till September (sic).”

Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has issued new regulations to ensure the safety of helicopter flights. pic.twitter.com/8JLFzqbnzy
— Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (@hello_CAANepal) July 12, 2023