Badrinath: Helicopter operators on the Chardham routes have threatened to suspend flight operations in protest against a new Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) directive mandating two pilots on every helicopter operating on the routes.
The operators have written to the aviation regulator, expressing concern that the new requirement could significantly increase operational expenses, crew requirements and logistical challenges.
The DGCA introduced the rule following the October 30 helicopter crash near Badrinath, in which all six people on board were killed.
Operators Flag Rising Operational Costs
In their letter, the operators have argued that the additional costs could make it difficult for them to continue services, given the limited operating margins on Chardham routes.
They have maintained that operators cannot absorb the entire financial burden. At the same time, they said passing the full increase in costs on to passengers would also not be feasible.
The operators have therefore raised concerns about the commercial viability of continuing flights under the revised requirement and warned that they may halt services if their concerns are not addressed.
Operators Seek Practical Safety Measures
While raising objections to the financial and logistical implications, the operators have stressed that safety requirements should remain practical and proportionate to the nature of operations.
“Safety measures must be proportionate, practical and commercially viable,” they said in their communication.
The DGCA’s directive comes in the aftermath of the fatal Badrinath crash on October 30. The accident killed all six people aboard the helicopter and prompted fresh scrutiny of safety arrangements for helicopter services in the region.
The proposed suspension could affect helicopter connectivity on the Chardham routes if operators follow through on their warning.
