Helicopter Flights Banned in Sagarmatha National Park Starting January 1, 2025

The Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality has announced that commercial helicopter flights will be prohibited in Sagarmatha National Park from January 1, 2025. Only rescue flights will be permitted, coordinated with the national park authority. Reason: To protect the environment, wildlife, and local communities. Exceptions: Rescue flights and flights for essential goods or local needs. Impact: The ban will affect tourists, helicopter companies, and local communities, with helicopter operators warning of severe impacts on high-end tourism. Concerns: Environmental issues include noise pollution, harm to wildlife like the Himalayan tahr and goral, and damage to forests and local communities.