Private helicopter services are set to launch in Pakistan’s mountainous regions by April or May this year, officials confirmed.
Major General (Retd) Irfan Arshad, President of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, said the initiative will improve access to high-altitude areas. It will also strengthen rescue operations for climbers and trekkers in northern Pakistan.
Currently, most helicopter operations in Pakistan’s northern mountains are handled by military aviation. These primarily provide rescue support, leaving limited options for tourism, transport, and logistical support for mountaineering expeditions.
Arshad explained that efforts are underway with the Civil Aviation Authority and the Ministry of Defence to facilitate private sector entry. Private operators will be allowed to conduct both rescue missions and tourism-related flights. Around five to six private helicopters are expected to start operations by April or May.
Some government institutions may also offer helicopter services commercially alongside private operators. Foreign companies from Italy and Nepal have expressed interest in joining the initiative, which could expand capabilities further.
The new private helicopter services will support tourism programs and rescue missions in northern Pakistan. They will provide helicopter safaris to major peaks, including K2, Broad Peak, and Nanga Parbat, making the region more accessible to international tourists and mountaineers.
Officials said the project aims to boost adventure tourism while ensuring safety standards for climbers and trekkers. By providing reliable rescue and transport facilities, the initiative addresses long-standing challenges in high-altitude travel.
With the introduction of private helicopter operations, Pakistan expects increased tourist visits, better logistical support for expeditions, and faster emergency responses in remote areas. The initiative marks a significant step in promoting adventure tourism and enhancing rescue infrastructure in the country.
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This program underscores Pakistan’s commitment to combining tourism development with safety, making its mountainous regions more accessible and secure for both domestic and international visitors.
