Heading To Kedarnath? Check These New DGCA Rules For Helicopter Flights
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Helicopter trips to Kedarnath cut by 60 daily for safety. DGCA bans operator and warns against fake booking sites
Helicopter services have long provided substantial convenience to pilgrims undertaking the Chardham Yatra. However, following a series of both minor and major incidents, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has adopted a more stringent approach. In response to these safety concerns, helicopter flights on the Kedarnath route have been scaled back, with a daily reduction of 60 trips. Ordinarily, between 200 and 250 trips are conducted each day, but the DGCA has now decided to place passenger safety above operational volume.
Helicopters will now operate only twice per hour from Guptkashi.
Improved Surveillance Measures For Aviation Safety
Enhanced surveillance measures have been introduced. Live camera feeds are being used to closely monitor all helicopter movements.
The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) has deployed live camera systems to supervise every helicopter journey in the Kedarnath region. Any breach of standard operating procedures is met with immediate corrective action.
In a significant move, the DGCA has also imposed a complete ban on all operations by Kestrel Aviation Private Limited in Uttarakhand, effective immediately. Another service provider was similarly suspended in May 2025 for failing to comply with safety regulations. These actions underscore the DGCA's firm stance on aviation safety and its zero-tolerance policy regarding lapses.
Bookings should only be made via the official IRCTC portal. Travellers are cautioned against using any other websites for this purpose.
First Published:
June 10, 2025, 15:48 IST
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