Char Dham chopper operators threaten to suspend flights over twin-pilot rule

Chopper operators on Char Dham routes have threatened to suspend operations from Monday over DGCA's mandatory twin-pilot rule, citing unviable costs, after a crash killed six people.

NEW DELHI: Chopper operations on Char Dham routes could come to standstill from Monday. Following a chopper crashing soon after take off from Badrinath on Friday (October 30), killing all six people on board — a pilot and five passengers, the DGCA has made it mandatory for choppers operating on Char Dham to be manned by two pilots starting Monday (Nov 2), in a bid to improve safety. However chopper operators have termed the move unviable and threatened to suspend these sorties from Monday “until the matter is reviewed and a mutually workable solution is arrived at. Chopper operators on Saturday sent their “collective objection to the implementation of mandatory twin-pilot operations and intimation of suspension of operations from Nov 2, 2026,” to Directorate General of Civil Aviation chief Vir Vikram Yadav.

“... (we) collectively place on record our serious concern and reservation regarding the mandatory requirement of twin-pilot operations for charter services (in) the new operational restrictions communicated by DGCA proposed to be implemented with effect from the first take-off on Nov 2, 2026.”

“The mandatory deployment of two pilots on every charter sortie will substantially increase operating costs, crew requirements, accommodation and logistical expenses, and overall operational commitments. Given the existing commercial structure, prevailing charter rates and limited operational margins, these additional costs cannot be reasonably absorbed by the operators. Nor is it commercially feasible to pass on the entire additional burden to customers,” it says.

“... all operators have consistently complied with applicable DGCA regulations and have invested considerable resources in maintaining safe, efficient and reliable operations in the challenging Himalayan terrain…. any additional safety-related measures must be practical, proportionate, commercially sustainable and developed in consultation with the operating stakeholders. Accordingly, after due consideration and mutual consultation, all operators collectively express their inability to accept the mandatory twin-pilot requirement in its present form,” it says.

"In view of the above, we wish to formally convey that all participating operators are proposing to suspend their Char Dham charter operations with effect from Nov 2, 2026, until the matter is reviewed and a mutually workable solution is arrived at by the concerned authorities in consultation with the operators. Under the proposed framework, continuing operations would result in unsustainable financial and operational commitments, leaving the operators with no commercially viable alternative,” it said.

Operators have DGCA and Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) to "reconsider the mandatory twin-pilot requirement, engage with all stakeholders on an urgent basis, and explore an alternative operational framework that adequately addresses safety concerns while ensuring the commercial viability and sustainability of helicopter operations in the region. We remain committed to aviation safety, regulatory compliance and the continued development of helicopter services in Uttarakhand. We hope that the matter will receive urgent consideration and that a constructive resolution can be reached before the proposed implementation date.”