Uttarakhand: Chopper operator’s license suspended by DGCA days after mishap during Char Dham Yatra

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has suspended all operations of Kestrel Aviation Pvt Ltd in Uttarakhand with immediate effect following an emergency landing of one of its helicopters on a highway in the Badasu region on Saturday. The chopper was carrying pilgrims to Kedarnath when the incident occurred, prompting regulatory action.

The suspension comes as part of a larger safety enforcement drive by the DGCA, which is tightening oversight on helicopter operations during the ongoing Char Dham Yatra. According to an official statement, the DGCA has initiated a detailed safety investigation into each recent instance of emergency landings and operational incidents involving helicopters in the region.

“In view of multiple occurrences involving helicopter operations during the Char Dham Yatra, it is imperative to strengthen safety oversight,” the DGCA said, reaffirming its zero-tolerance policy for safety violations. The aviation regulator has ordered special audits and enhanced surveillance of all helicopter operators engaged in shuttle services and charter operations across Uttarakhand.

As a precautionary measure, the DGCA is also reviewing the potential need to curtail helicopter operations to Char Dham altogether, should further risk be identified. Until further notice, all helicopter operators have been instructed to conduct flights only under Out-of-Ground Effect (OGE) conditions to ensure enhanced safety.

In a proactive move, the DGCA has also begun monitoring live camera feeds from the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) helipads, particularly at Kedarnath, to track helicopter movements and ensure compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) in real time. Earlier today, two operators failed to adhere to SOPs regarding proper parking procedures at their helipads and were briefly suspended for two hours.

The suspension of Kestrel Aviation follows similar action taken against another helicopter operator in May 2025 for safety violations. The DGCA said its ongoing investigations aim to identify root causes, including mechanical issues, human error, and weather-related challenges, in order to prevent future mishaps and safeguard the lives of pilgrims and crew.