KHATIMA NEWS
Chamoli
Chartered helicopter services for the Char Dham pilgrwere suspended on Monday after operators opposed a new Directorate General of Civil Aviation requirement for a co-pilot. With the shrine portals due to close within days, the service is now expected to operate next year under the revised safety requirements.
Rudraprayag
Charter helicopter services flying from Dehradun for Uttarakhand’s Char Dham circuit must now operate in dual-pilot mode after a Badrinath crash, District Tourism Officer Rahul Chaubey said. Shuttle services from Phata, Guptkashi and Sersi continue to operate smoothly under the current arrangement.
Dehradun
Char Dham helicopter services in Uttarakhand have been suspended as operators adjust to new safety requirements. UCADA CEO Prateek Jain said flights can resume only after operators deploy 2 pilots, modify additional cockpit controls and reduce passenger capacity, affecting travellers who depend on aerial connections during the pilgr.
Chamoli
Helicopter operators have warned that Char Dham charter services could stop from Nov 2 unless Uttarakhand’s aviation authority withdraws its mandatory co-pilot order. The proposed suspension comes during the final phase of the pilgrseason, shortly before the shrines close for winter, and could affect pilgrims relying on air services.
Chamoli
An orange alert for heavy rainfall in Chamoli has prompted questions about why helicopter services were allowed to operate during hazardous weather. The concern highlights the risks faced by passengers and crews in Uttarakhand’s mountainous terrain, while also calling for clearer responsibility among operators and authorities responsible for aviation and disaster management.
Bageshwar
Helicopter services from Garud’s Meladungri helipad were fully suspended on Friday after poor weather and low visibility prevented any flight from arriving. Scheduled services to Dehradun and Haldwani could not operate, leaving passengers waiting for hours, returning home or switching to road travel for urgent and time-bound journeys.
Rudraprayag
Rudraprayag Superintendent of Police Niharika Tomar said police and administrative teams are maintaining continuous surveillance during the Kedarnath Yatra. Authorities are also acting against irregularities and monitoring helicopter services closely, highlighting heightened oversight of key arrangements during the pilgr.
Rudraprayag
Helicopter operations for the second phase of the Kedarnath Dham pilgrresumed in Rudraprayag on Tuesday after inspections by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. The district administration said flights would remain subject to weather, visibility, wind speed and other safety conditions while preparations continue for an expected rise in pilgrims.
Rudraprayag
The second phase of the Kedarnath Dham pilgrhas started in Uttarakhand, bringing more devotees onto the route. Helicopter operations have also restarted, offering an alternative for elderly and differently-abled pilgrims, as well as others who choose to travel to the shrine by air.
