Kedarnath helicopter operations set to resume from June 17 after deadly crash

Kedarnath helicopter operations set to resume from June 17 after deadly crash

Just a day after suspension of helicopter services to Kedarnath due to a crash involving devotees, the

(UCADA) announced that operations will resume on Tuesday, according to ANI.

In a statement, the UCADA said that helicopter services for Kedarnath Dham will be resumed from Tuesday, June 17.

This decision comes after Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had previously ordered a two-day suspension of helicopter services to prioritize passenger safety, following the crash of an Aryan Aviation helicopter near the forested area of Gaurikund in Rudraprayag.

“Helicopter services will not run today or tomorrow. These services will remain closed until the safety of the passengers is ensured," the chief minister had said following the crash on Sunday morning.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has since ordered a reduction in the frequency of helicopter flights to the Char Dham as a precautionary step.

Additionally, CM Dhami convened an emergency meeting and directed all aviation operators to strictly adhere to DGCA safety guidelines, warning of stern action against any violations.

“Our instructions are clear—aviation companies must not flout DGCA rules,” the CM stated, further emphasizing that only pilots experienced in flying over the Himalayan region should be assigned to such routes.

The crash involved an Aryan Aviation helicopter that was flying from Kedarnath to Guptkashi when it went down near the forested area of Gaurikund in Rudraprayag district at around 5:30 am on Sunday.

All seven onboard, including the pilot, were killed. An investigation into the cause of the crash is currently underway.