Uttarakhand helicopter operators halt Char Dham tours after DGCA mandates two‑pilot rule

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced a rule that commercial helicopters must be flown by two pilots, replacing the earlier single‑pilot requirement. In response, major helicopter service providers in Uttarakhand, which operate regular charters to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath, have temporarily halted operations, citing the need to restructure crew schedules and recruit additional qualified pilots. The suspension affects thousands of pilgrims who rely on the fast aerial link, especially during the peak season, and may dent the state's tourism revenue; operators are seeking a grace period or phased implementation from the regulator. The DGCA says the safety measure aligns helicopter operations with international standards and expects compliance within a stipulated timeframe. Until the issue is resolved, travelers are advised to consider alternative ground transport to the Char Dham circuit.