The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) has issued a blacklisting notice to Heritage Aviation for operating a chartered helicopter to Kedarnath without prior approval. The company’s chartered services to all Chardham shrines have now been suspended.
On July 14, a Heritage Aviation helicopter departed from the Sahastradhara helipad to Kedarnath despite UCADA’s operations wing denying permission due to bad weather. The pilot violated UCADA’s operational guidelines, leading to serious safety concerns.
UCADA sought a response from the company, and in a written reply, Heritage Aviation admitted to flying without clearance. UCADA’s Additional Chief Executive Officer Sanjay Tolia stated that the notice for blacklisting was issued based on this admission.
As a precautionary measure, the operator’s chartered services for the Chardham Yatra have been barred. Additionally, the company is prohibited from taking off or landing at any UCADA-controlled helipad in Uttarakhand. Further action will be taken in line with DGCA guidelines if the company fails to provide a satisfactory response.
