Helicopters Play Crucial Role in Himalayan Flood Rescues | Aviation International News

Helicopters Play Crucial Role in Himalayan Flood Rescues

Nepal’s army and private operators have deployed rotorcraft across the flood zone

Heli Everest H125 helicopter — Heli Everest is one of several private operators that has deployed rotorcraft to help with rescue missions in the Himalayas.

By Neelam Mathews

September 8, 2026

Helicopters are playing a crucial part in ongoing rescue efforts following the devastating floods in Nepal. Over the past few weeks, a mix of military and private rotorcraft operators have been flying nonstop sorties across the 30-mile corridor where floods and landslides have killed more than a thousand people, with thousands more still missing.

Currently, Nepal’s army is only able to deploy one of its four heavy-lift Mi-17 helicopters, along with four light models, including the Airbus AS350B3 and Bell 206s. Private operators have deployed more than 20 Airbus H125s to operate rescue efforts alongside their military counterparts.

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