KATHMANDU, Feb 13: Helicopter companies will begin operating all types of commercial flights in the Khumbu region starting Friday, following a suspension for over a month.
The suspension was imposed by the Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality due to concerns over noise pollution and its impact on local settlements and businesses from January 7.
Manoj Karki, Chairman of the Airline Operators Association of Nepal, confirmed that bookings have already been taken for the flights that will resume from Friday. “We will operate all commercial flights in the Khumbu region from tomorrow (Friday),” he said.
Since February 11, helicopter companies had resumed mountain flights in the area, but other services remained blocked. The Airline Operators Association, along with various tourism and industry groups, has urged the Khumbu Rural Municipality to lift the blockade, warning that its continuation could harm Nepal's tourism reputation.