KATHMANDU, Jan 15: Airline companies have warned of shutting down the entire air services in Solukhumbu district after the local government in the Khumbu region failed to lift the obstruction on helicopter flights.
The Airline Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN) issued a press statement on Wednesday, stating that the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality has kept the obstruction on helicopter flights in place and warned of shutting down air service across the district.
Airline operators warn of suspending all Janakpur flights
Although the District Administration Office warned that it would take action against those obstructing helicopter flights, the rural municipality has continued blocking various helipads and has given an ultimatum until January 22 to resolve the issue.
Manoj Karki, president of the AOAN, urged the resolution of the issue with a full guarantee of safety by January 22. He warned the concerned parties that without safety assurance, airline companies operating flights to and from Solukhumbu may be forced to suspend all air services.
The Khumbu region has suspended helicopter flights since January 5. Anoj Kumar Ghimire, the Chief District Officer of Solukhumbu, announced that a meeting is scheduled for January 24 to resolve the issue.
Ghimire said, "The Sagarmatha National Park is ready to give the clearance for flight to this region and we are now waiting for the municipality's decision. The municipality has called a village assembly to discuss the matter. We firmly believe that essential services should never be suspended under any pretext. To address this issue, we have scheduled a meeting with all stakeholders on January 24.
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