Uttarakhand Helicopter Crisis: Operators & Pilots At Odds Over DGCA's Two-Pilot Mandate; Tourists Likely To Struggle As Helicopter Flying Suspended

Mumbai, November 7, 2026: Hiker and tourist visits to Uttarakhand's Char Dham region are likely to encounter difficulties as helicopter services have been halted following a disagreement between operators and regulators. The sudden suspension occurred after a coalition of ten helicopter companies representing the Char Dham circuit objected to the DGCA's new rule requiring twin-pilot operations for charter services, following a tragic helicopter crash on October 30 that killed six people, including a pilot.

Operators argue that the mandatory two-pilot rule, without prior consultations and economic impact assessments, makes their business operations commercially unviable. They contend that the additional expenses of deploying two pilots for each charter flight would increase costs, crew provisioning, lodging, and logistical requirements beyond their narrow profit margins.

The crash that triggered safety concerns involved a Trans Bharat Aviation helicopter that crashed near Hathi Parvat in Chamoli district's Joshimath area, killing Captain Himanshu Sabharwal and five passengers. The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has also expressed deep distress over recurring accidents in mountainous terrain, offshore sites, and high-altitude sectors, calling for a comprehensive National Helicopter Safety Framework.

The FIP has urged the central government to establish a National Helicopter Safety Review Committee, which would submit a comprehensive action plan within 90 days. They recommend mandating Performance Class-1 helicopters, requiring two-pilot operations, and restricting pilgrimage flights for senior citizens or mobility-impaired passengers.

Industry leaders worry that the uncertainty surrounding the safety measures may lead to a decrease in tourism and hospitality sector demand, causing losses for businesses and potential impacts on employment.