India completes first phase of Char Dham Yatra helicopter operations, serving 78,000 pilgrims

The Ministry of Civil Aviation announced the successful conclusion of the first phase of the Char Dham Yatra 2026 helicopter services, which ran from April to June 2026. Approximately 400 helicopter movements were carried out each day, with 12,032 shuttle departures transporting 67,064 pilgrims and an additional 2,065 charter flights carrying 11,715 pilgrims, totalling 78,779 travellers.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu highlighted the extensive safety preparations, noting high‑level review meetings with the DGCA, Airports Authority of India, Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority, the India Meteorological Department and helicopter operators. He praised the coordination with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and stressed that the operation addressed the challenging Himalayan terrain through enhanced regulatory oversight and infrastructure upgrades.