Char Dham charter helicopters called off for the rest of the season after talks on the two-pilot rule fail
New since our last edition: operators would not accept the rule, the regulator would not withdraw it, and pilgrims lose the air option until Badrinath closes on 16 November.
- Hindustan Times
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has called off charter helicopter services on the Char Dham route for the remainder of the season, Hindustan Times reported. The season ends on 16 November, when the portals of Badrinath are set to close.
The decision followed a meeting on Monday, 2 November, between DGCA officials, the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority and operators. The meeting failed to resolve the deadlock over the rule making co-pilots mandatory on every Char Dham flight.
The rule came a day after a helicopter returning from Badrinath crashed near Joshimath on 30 October, killing all six people on board. In a letter dated 31 October, 11 operators told the regulator the requirement would raise costs beyond what charter rates could absorb.
They said they supported aviation safety but wanted measures developed in consultation with them. The DGCA refused to roll back the order.
UCADA chief executive Prateek Jain said twin-pilot flying needs physical changes such as dual controls and lower passenger capacity. He said that with only seven to eight days left in the season, operators considered this neither quick nor commercially viable.
Key data
6 people killed in the 30 October crash; 11 operators signed the letter; rule in force from 2 November; season ends 16 November; co-pilot must also be qualified for hill flying.
Why it matters
Elderly and less mobile yātrīs who planned to fly in the closing weeks will need to arrange road travel or adjust their plans. The dispute also leaves open what safety rules will apply to helicopter flights when the yātrā resumes next year.
GK: did you know?
The Char Dham circuit of Uttarakhand comprises Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Jyotirmaṭha, close to Badrinath, is the northern of the four āmnāya maṭhas traditionally attributed to Ādi Śaṅkarācārya.
