Despite local protests, Nepal has resumed rescue helicopter flights to Mount Everest.

Following weeks of stoppage because of local community complaints, Nepali airlines have started helicopter rescue operations in the Everest region again. Due to villagers' concerns about the impact on the environment and the potential loss of revenue from trekkers, the flights—which were essential for emergency rescues in the hilly area—were suspended.Since most of Nepal's remote and steep regions lack access to highways, helicopters are an essential mode of transportation here. But the usage of helicopters as a shortcut by tourists and mountaineering groups across difficult terrain in Sagarmatha National Park has sparked worries. Helicopters are also frequently utilized to transport affluent tourists and climbing teams to bypass the challenging two-week trek to Everest Base Camp, which costs an astounding $1,000, even though they are crucial for emergency evacuations.

By doing this, local companies and tour operators lose out on a significant source of income from trekkers spending days in communities along the conventional overland route.The Airlines Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN) canceled all flights in early January after demonstrators used flags to obstruct landing spots and threatened pilots with having to walk back if they landed. AOAN spokesman Pratap Jung Pandey announced on January 27 that rescue flights had resumed on humanitarian grounds, although commercial flights to the Everest region remain barred. Local communities and aviation officials are actively engaged in negotiations to find a solution.The stoppage of rescue flights had a major effect on mountaineering efforts. Over 50,000 tourists visit the Everest region each year, and up to 60 helicopter trips may be offered daily during the busiest hiking seasons. Mingma Gyalje Sherpa, who owns the climbing adventure company Imagine Nepal, says helicopter rescues are crucial to the safety of climbers. Recently, German mountaineer Jost Kobusch had to cancel a solo winter ascent of Everest due to the lack of such services. Kobusch posted on Instagram on January 11th, stating that he decided to stop the climb due to the lack of emergency escape alternatives and the possibility of earthquakes.