Rescue helicopters return to Mount Everest after row
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Apr 11
- 8 min read
Nepal has recently resumed helicopter rescue operations in the Mount Everest region, which had faced temporary suspensions due to local protests and environmental concerns.
The decision to restart operations comes amid growing debate over the role of helicopters in the region, balancing the pressing need for rescue missions with concerns over environmental damage and tourism impact.
A lifeline for tourists and sherpas
For years, helicopter rescues have been a crucial lifeline for climbers and trekkers on Mount Everest, who often face life-threatening conditions in the high-altitude region. With the mountain's harsh weather, difficult terrain, and rapidly changing conditions, helicopters provide a swift means of evacuation for those in distress. However, these flights have also raised significant environmental and noise pollution concerns, particularly among the local Sherpa community.
Not the first ban
In January 2025, the Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality, which oversees the Everest region, announced a ban on commercial helicopter flights starting in 2025. The municipality cited environmental damage caused by the frequent flights, including noise pollution that negatively impacts local wildlife and residents. According to the local authorities, «These flights have negatively affected the forest, environment, and wildlife. Additionally, the excessive noise pollution caused by the helicopters has directly impacted local residents and tourists.»
This is not the first ban. Following a tragic helicopter crash in the Everest region that resulted in six fatalities, Nepal's aviation regulator imposed a two-month ban on "non-essential" helicopter flights, including sightseeing tours. This decision aimed to enhance safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Economic concerns
The ban has raised concerns from the Nepal Airlines Operators Association (NAOA), which represents the aviation industry in Nepal.
The NAOA has voiced worries about the potential economic losses from a reduction in helicopter flights, which play a crucial role in the country's tourism economy.
«We will try to address these concerns, but variable weather conditions sometimes force us to fly at low altitudes,» said a representative from the association, acknowledging the economic challenges but also highlighting the complexities of operating in the region.
Our helicopters reached villages that had been completely cut off by landslides. The look of relief on people’s faces when they saw help arriving was something I’ll never forget. Lt. Col. Christopher Maryott U.S. Marine Corps, Operation Sahayogi Haat – Nepal earthquake relief 2015
Helicopters changed everything in Nepal’s rescue efforts. When the earthquake struck, these machines became the only way to reach many devastated areas. David Morton Everest climber & rescuer, 2015 aarthquake response
In the Himalayas, helicopters are not just a luxury; they are a lifeline. Without them, many injured climbers and trekkers would never make it back. Simone Moro Italian mountaineer & rescue pilot
Source of income for many
Helicopter tourism is an important source of income for many Sherpas and businesses in the Everest region, making the balance between environmental preservation and economic viability a delicate issue. Nepal's tourism sector heavily relies on Mount Everest as a primary attraction, and restrictions on helicopter flights could have far-reaching effects on both local communities and the broader economy.
Helicopters in Nepal are commonly used for sightseeing, transportation, and not just rescue operations.
Flying in Nepal is some of the most challenging in the world. You’re dealing with extreme altitudes, unpredictable weather, and desperate situations—but saving lives makes it all worth it. Jason Laing New Zealand helicopter pilot, Everest rescue specialist
Helicopter uses in Nepal
Sightseeing flights
Popular Everest Base Camp helicopter tours offer breathtaking aerial views of Mount Everest, the Himalayas, and glaciers.
Other scenic flights include Annapurna, Langtang, and Upper Mustang.
Ordinary transport
Helicopters are used in remote areas where roads are poor or nonexistent, especially in the Himalayan region.
Some luxury travelers opt for helicopter transfers between cities and trekking areas, avoiding long and difficult land journeys.
Religious pilgrimages
Devotees use helicopters to visit Muktinath Temple (Mustang) and Gosaikunda Lake (Langtang National Park) for quicker access.
Concerns over noise and safety
Environmental groups have continued to raise concerns about the environmental impact of the helicopters flying over the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sagarmatha National Park. The park is home to some of the world's rarest wildlife, and activists argue that the noise from the helicopters disrupts both the ecosystems and local communities. These concerns are exacerbated by the large volumes of waste generated by the tourism sector, which has also led to calls for more sustainable tourism practices.
You never know what you’re going to face—one moment you’re airlifting an injured climber from Everest, the next, you’re delivering food to a stranded village. Every flight is a mission of hope. Anurag Pokharel Nepali rescue pilot
The rising number of helicopter rescues, driven by the increasing number of trekkers and climbers in the region, has brought about safety concerns as well. Some reports suggest that there is an increase in fraud related to helicopter rescues, with inflated insurance claims and greater premiums complicating rescue operations. The heightened demand for these services has placed more pressure on the already overstretched rescue infrastructure in Nepal.
Officials respond
The Nepalese government and local authorities are engaged in ongoing discussions to find a sustainable solution to the problem. Despite the tension between environmental groups, tourism interests, and the aviation industry, the government is working toward ensuring that any solution respects the needs of the local population, protects the environment, and supports the country’s critical tourism industry.
While specific statements from government officials have been limited, the conversations are ongoing, with representatives from all sides seeking to reach a compromise that addresses the needs of the Sherpa communities, tourists, and the broader national economy.
No easy answers
As helicopter operations in the Everest region continue, it is clear that Nepal faces a difficult balancing act. The country must navigate the competing demands of environmental conservation, economic development, and safety considerations. Helicopter rescues are undeniably important for saving lives, but they also pose significant challenges to both the environment and the local way of life.
The ongoing dialogue between the Nepalese government, local communities, the aviation industry, and environmental groups will be crucial in shaping the future of helicopter operations in Mount Everest. Moving forward, finding a sustainable solution that meets the diverse needs of all parties involved will be essential to preserve both the region's natural beauty and the livelihoods of those who depend on tourism.
The daring helicopter rescues
Helicopter rescue operations are a vital lifeline in Nepal, a country renowned for its majestic yet formidable Himalayan terrain.
These aerial missions are indispensable for evacuating trekkers, mountaineers, and locals from remote regions during emergencies, where ground access is often impossible.
Nepal's diverse topography encompasses towering peaks, deep valleys, and isolated villages, many of which lack road connectivity. In such areas, helicopters serve as the primary means of emergency response, facilitating rapid medical evacuations and delivering essential supplies. Altitude sickness, injuries from falls, avalanches, and sudden illnesses are common scenarios necessitating swift aerial intervention.
Notable rescue operations
Mount Everest Avalanche (April 2015): The Mount Everest avalanche of April 2015 was one of the deadliest disasters in the mountain’s history. Triggered by the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25, 2015, the avalanche swept through Everest Base Camp, killing at least 22 people and injuring many more.
Rescue efforts were challenging due to the remote location and ongoing aftershocks. Helicopters played a crucial role in evacuating the injured climbers and stranded mountaineers from higher camps.
The Nepalese Army, along with private helicopter companies and international rescue teams, worked tirelessly to provide aid.
This disaster highlighted the vulnerability of mountaineers and Sherpas on Everest and led to increased discussions about safety measures on the world’s highest peak.
Dhaulagiri tragedy (October 2024) October 2024, a tragic incident occurred on Mount Dhaulagiri, the world's seventh-highest peak, resulting in the loss of five Russian climbers. The team, led by Alexander Dusheyko, included Oleg Kruglov, Vladimir Chistikov, Mikhail Nosenko, and Dmitry Shpilevoy. They embarked on their summit push on October 6, 2024, but lost radio contact later that evening. Rescue operations commenced promptly, and on October 8, a helicopter reconnaissance mission located their bodies at an altitude of approximately 6,900 meters. The exact circumstances leading to their deaths remain under investigation, but the incident underscores the inherent dangers associated with high-altitude mountaineering.
Manang evacuations: Trekkers in the Manang district, part of the Annapurna Circuit, frequently face altitude-related illnesses. Helicopter rescues are routinely coordinated to airlift affected individuals to safer locations or medical centers, highlighting the ongoing need for aerial support in trekking regions.
Challenges in Helicopter Rescues
Conducting helicopter rescues in Nepal presents several obstacles:
Weather conditions: Rapidly changing weather can impede flight operations, delaying critical missions.
High-Altitude flying: Thin air at elevated altitudes affects helicopter performance, demanding skilled piloting and specialized equipment.
Regulatory and environmental concerns: The surge in helicopter traffic, especially in popular areas like the Everest region, has led to noise pollution and environmental degradation. In response, local authorities have proposed bans on non-essential flights to preserve the natural tranquility and ecosystem.
The human element
Behind each rescue lies a network of dedicated pilots, rescue teams, and support staff committed to saving lives. Their expertise and courage are the backbone of Nepal's emergency response framework, ensuring that help reaches those in dire need, even in the most inaccessible locations.
In essence, helicopter rescues in Nepal are more than operational missions; they are a testament to human resilience and the relentless pursuit of safety amidst some of the planet's most challenging landscapes.
