Helicopter services to Kedarnath suspended
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has suspended chopper services to Kedarnath provided by two private companies after an inspection by the aviation regulator found that several norms were being flouted, potentially jeopardizing passenger safety and security.
Additionally, all chopper services from the Sahastradhara helipad in Dehradun were suspended on Tuesday and chartered flights were diverted to Jolly Grant Airport after another inspection revealed safety violations by an aviation company.
The services of the two companies providing chopper rides from Phata helipad near Kedar Valley to Kedarnath were suspended after it was found that the pilots had not undergone mandatory medical tests before flying. The companies did not have security staff either to ensure safety of the tourists and also failed to provide updated documents with information regarding their staff. The companies said that they have responded to the DGCA notice and taken all the required measures.
All services from the Sahastradhara helipad were also suspended after the staff of another aviation company was found flouting norms.
