KATHMANDU, Oct 18: The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has lifted a recent ban on helicopter flights imposed during the monsoon season. According to the authority's information officer, Gyanendra Bhul, the ban was removed as the monsoon has ended.
With the announcement from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) that the monsoon has ended, the authority has lifted the ban on helicopter flights imposed during this season. The restrictions on helicopter flights for mountain flights close to the Himalayas, 'sling flights' where cargo is dropped from the helicopter, and 'floral shower flights' have been removed.
The CAAN has imposed a ban on such helicopter flights during the monsoon season every year to mitigate potential risks that may arise during the rainy season. The DHM announced the end of the monsoon in Nepal on October 12. Generally, the monsoon enters Nepal on June 13 and exits on October 2. This year, the monsoon started on June 10 and left Nepal on October 12.
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According to Information Officer Bhul, the CAAN imposed a ban on helicopter flights during the monsoon season due to the possibility of sudden weather changes that could pose risks to helicopter operations.
Meanwhile, the authority has stated that the approval for helicopter flights will be granted directly from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). Information Officer Bhul said that with the end of the monsoon, arrangements have been made to grant permissions for "normal cargo" and passenger flights, as well as for flights within the valley, from TIA.
Previously, after the helicopter crash of Manang Air on July 13, 2023, it was mandated that all helicopter flights require permission directly from the CAAN's headquarters.
The CAAN has stated that it will only grant permission for helicopter flights outside the Kathmandu Valley from its central office. Now, arrangements have been made for pilots to obtain permission for check flights, non-commercial flights, ceiling flights, and flights starting from other airports directly from the CAAN's headquarters.
"After the helicopter accident involving Manang Air last year, we had arranged for all helicopter flights across the country to obtain permission from the headquarters. Now, for helicopters operating from Kathmandu airport and the valley, the CAAN has restored the right to grant flight permits to TIA. From October 10, permissions will be granted as they were before," said information officer Bhul.
