11 publishers · first seen Sun, 01 Nov 2026 00:00 UTC · updated Mon, 02 Nov 2026 05:02 UTC
Helicopter operators in Uttarakhand have threatened to suspend Char Dham charter services from November 2 in protest against the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority's (UCADA) co-pilot rule. The decision follows a helicopter crash near Joshimath in Chamoli district on October 30, in which six people died. The operators argue that the mandatory twin-pilot requirement, without adequate consultation and assessment of its commercial and operational implications, will make the continuation of operations financially unviable. They have proposed suspending Char Dham charter operations until the matter is reviewed and a mutually workable solution is reached. The suspension is likely to disrupt the final leg of the pilgrimage before the shrines close for winter.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) made it mandatory for every helicopter to operate with two pilots following the October 30 crash. However, the helicopter operators have opposed the requirement, stating that deploying two pilots on every charter sortie will substantially increase operating costs, crew requirements, accommodation and logistical expenses.
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