Recently, multiple occurrences involving helicopter operations during the Char Dham

Recently, multiple occurrences involving helicopter operations during the Char Dham

Yatra in Uttarakhand have underscored the necessity for further strengthening the

safety oversight of these operations.

Safety investigation has been initiated for each of these occurrences to identify

contributing factors, including mechanical failures, operational errors, and weather-

related challenges.

Reaffirming its steadfast commitment to aviation safety, DGCA is responding

proactively on these occurrences and has ordered special audits/enhanced

surveillance for helicopter operators involved in shuttle services and charter operations

in State of Uttarakhand.

Additionally, directives have been issued to all helicopter operators, restricting

operations to OGE conditions till further order. As a precautionary measure, DGCA is

also reviewing the necessity of curtailing the helicopter operations to Char Dham if

required.

DGCA has intensified its oversight of Char Dham helicopter operations by actively

monitoring live camera feeds provided by the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development

Authority (UCADA) at Kedarnath. Any deviation from standard operating procedures

(SOP) by helicopter operators is detected in real time, allowing for immediate

corrective measures. Today, two helicopter operators conducting shuttle and charter

services to Kedarnath from their respective helipads failed to adhere to SOPs,

particularly regarding proper helicopter parking procedures. As a result, swift action

was taken, and their operations were suspended for two hours.

DGCA has zero tolerance policy for safety violations and in its latest enforcement

action the operations of M/s Kestrel Aviation Pvt Ltd in Uttrakhand has been

suspended with immediate effect pending investigation. This is further to suspension

of operations of another operator for safety violations in the month of May, 2025