Helicopter services from Meladungri helipad in Garud, Bageshwar, were completely disrupted on Friday as poor weather and low visibility prevented any aircraft from arriving. The suspension affected scheduled flights connecting Garud with Dehradun and Haldwani.
The disruption caused difficulty for passengers who had planned long-distance, urgent or time-sensitive journeys. Some waited at the helipad for hours before returning disappointed, while others had to travel by road to reach their destinations.
Scheduled services affected
Meladungri helipad is scheduled to have 2 daily flights each to Dehradun and Haldwani. However, none of the planned services could operate on Friday because weather conditions remained unsuitable from the morning.
Reduced visibility was a key factor in the decision to stop operations. With no helicopter reaching Garud, passengers could not use the planned air connection and were left to make alternative travel arrangements.
The disruption particularly affected people who had reached the helipad expecting a scheduled service. Those travelling for urgent work or on fixed timetables faced additional inconvenience after the flights were suspended.
Safety remains the stated priority
The service provider and local administration said flights had to be poned to protect passengers during adverse weather. Helicopter operations will resume once conditions improve and visibility returns to normal, according to the stated plan.
No revised operating time was provided. Passengers planning to use the service will therefore need to wait for weather conditions to improve before normal operations can restart.
Conclusion
Poor weather and low visibility stopped all scheduled helicopter services from Garud’s Meladungri helipad on Friday, disrupting travel to Dehradun and Haldwani. Operations are expected to resume after visibility improves, with passenger safety remaining the priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where were helicopter services suspended?
Helicopter services were suspended at Meladungri helipad in Garud, Bageshwar.
Q. Which routes were affected?
Scheduled flights from Garud to Dehradun and Haldwani were affected.
Q. How many flights are scheduled each day?
2 daily flights are scheduled from Meladungri to Dehradun and 2 to Haldwani.
Q. Why did the flights not operate?
Poor weather and low visibility prevented the helicopters from reaching the helipad.
Q. What did passengers do after the disruption?
Some passengers waited for hours and returned, while others used road transport to continue their journeys.
Q. When will the helicopter service resume?
Operations are expected to resume when the weather clears and visibility becomes normal.
