KATHMANDU, July 11: Nalinchowk Heliport has stopped operating flights from July 11 (today). Pilots said that they will not be flying from the heliport in Nalinchowk from Thursday due to high risks to air safety.
Last week, the pilots sent a letter to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) stating the limitations in the heliport and the lack of essential services. After that, it was decided to halt the flights from Nalinchowk Heliport. Discussions were held with the authorities at one stage but they failed to reach a conclusion.
Currently, all the helicopters at Nalinchowk Heliport are grounded.
Heliport built in Bhaktapur’s Nalin chowk
Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Hit Bahadur Tamang inaugurated Nalinchowk Heliport in Bhaktapur only two weeks ago.
CAAN Information Officer Gyanendra Bhul said there was no official information regarding the suspension of flights.
Consequently, a 15-member committee has been formed keeping the demands of pilots into consideration, with the aim of resolving the issue within a week.
Bhul said the heliport has recently come into operation and some infrastructures are yet to be constructed. Hence, Nalinchowk is being operated as a helipad instead of a heliport for the time being.
