Civil Aviation Ministry orders strict safety protocols for helicopter operations

In the wake of a tragic helicopter crash near Gaurikund in Uttarakhand, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has directed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to enforce strict safety protocols for helicopter operations in sensitive areas like Kedarnath Valley. The ministry stressed that passenger safety is non-negotiable and warned operators against flying in unsafe weather or violating operational rules.

To ensure further safety, all helicopter services in the region will be halted for two days. The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) has been instructed to conduct a thorough review of all helicopter operators and pilots before



flights resume. Additionally, a Command-and-Control Room is to be set up to monitor real-time flight operations and alert authorities in case of any risks.

An investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is underway.

Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami held an emergency meeting with officials from various agencies. As a result, Aryan Aviation’s Char Dham Yatra operations have been suspended. The licenses of two pilots from TransBharat Aviation, who were found flying under similar hazardous conditions, have been suspended for six months.