Uttarakhand: Helicopter services for the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand are likely to face disruption after 11 charter operators threatened to suspend services starting November 2. The decision comes in response to a new directive from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) making two pilots mandatory on every flight sortie across the pilgrimage routes.
Uttarakhand Helicopter Crash
The regulator's order follows a fatal helicopter crash near Badrinath on October 30 that claimed six people, including the pilot and five passengers. In response to the crash, the DGCA tightened operational requirements along the Char Dham routes, mandating two pilots on each flight starting November 2.
However, operators strongly opposed the decision, filing a joint representation with DGCA chief Vir Vikram Yadav, the Civil Aviation Ministry, and the Uttarakhand government. They argued that the requirement was introduced without sufficiently consulting those directly involved in helicopter operations, NDTV reported.
Operators Warn Of Financial Unviability
The operators pointed out that deploying two pilots on every charter flight will significantly raise expenses on crew salaries, accommodation, and mountain logistics, making operations commercially unviable under current rates.
"Deploying two pilots on every charter flight places an additional financial burden on operators that cannot be accommodated within prevailing charter rates, while transferring the entire cost to passengers is also not commercially feasible," the representation stated.
While recognising the regulator's duty to uphold safety, the operators called for compliance rules that are operationally practical and developed in consultation with those flying in the region's challenging Himalayan terrain.
Deadline Looms
With the November 2 deadline approaching, the 11 operators have urged the DGCA and the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) to reconsider the rule and explore an alternative framework.
"We are proposing to suspend our Char Dham charter operations with effect from November 2, 2026, until the matter is reviewed and a mutually workable solution is arrived at by the concerned authorities in consultation with the operators," it added.
Unless aviation authorities initiate talks to resolve the issue, charter services across the pilgrimage routes are likely to come to a complete halt.
(With Inputs From PTI)