The Ministry of Civil Aviation is currently “reviewing the necessity of curtailing helicopter operations” to the Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand following a series of recent safety-related incidents during the annual pilgrimage.

The possibility of limiting helicopter services arose after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) conducted a safety review of chopper operations in the region. Over the past month, four separate incidents involving helicopters prompted the DGCA to tighten oversight, raising serious concerns about operator compliance and operational safety in the high-altitude zones of the Himalayas.

As part of its ongoing response, the DGCA has ordered a comprehensive audit of all helicopter operators active in the Char Dham region. The audits are focusing on maintenance practices, pilot training, adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and operational preparedness for mountainous terrain and unpredictable weather.

“In light of recent developments, we are conducting rigorous audits of all operators flying to the shrine areas,” a senior DGCA official said, adding that the regulator is also considering temporary restrictions if safety risks remain unresolved.

On June 7, a helicopter operated by Kestrel Aviation made an emergency landing near a road in the Rudraprayag district due to a reported technical fault. While all five passengers were safe, the pilot sustained minor injuries. This incident, among others, triggered real-time surveillance of flight operations by the DGCA.

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the DGCA is now monitoring live camera feeds from the helipads at Kedarnath via the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA). Any deviation from protocols is being flagged immediately, with some operators already facing temporary suspension.

For instance, on June 9, the DGCA suspended the services of two operators for two hours over violations of SOPs. Kestrel Aviation’s license has also been suspended pending an investigation into its recent incident.

Operators have now been directed to conduct all operations in Out-of-Ground-Effect (OGE) conditions, ensuring safer landings and take-offs at high altitudes where terrain and wind conditions are particularly challenging.

The Chardham Yatra, which includes sacred destinations such as Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri, witnesses thousands of pilgrims each year. Helicopter services are often preferred for their speed and convenience, especially for elderly and differently-abled pilgrims. However, these services also operate in logistically difficult and environmentally sensitive zones.

The DGCA has reiterated that passenger safety is non-negotiable, and operators will be expected to follow the highest standards of airworthiness and operational discipline.

Further decisions, including the possibility of restricting or reducing the number of helicopter sorties, will be taken after the audits are complete and final incident reports are submitted.