Helicopter flight ban

Since January 1, 2025, authorities in the Khumbu region have banned non-rescue helicopter flights in Sagarmatha National Park, home to Mount Everest. The ban is in response to local residents’ concerns about noise pollution and aims to restore tranquility to the region. While the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal has contested the ban, stressing its regulatory authority over air traffic, discussions are ongoing to balance economic interests with environmental preservation.

This decision by authorities such as Sagarmatha National Park and local stakeholders aims to promote eco-friendly tourism and protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.