#SRINAGAR: In a major development ahead of the annual #Amarnath Yatra, the #Jammu and #Kashmir government has suspended all #helicopter services for the pilgrimage season starting July 3, 2025. This comes after authorities declared the entire yatra route a No-Fly Zone in light of increased security concerns following the recent terror attack in #Pahalgam.
According to official sources, the decision prohibits all forms of aerial activity, including drones, helicopters, and even balloons, between July 1 and August 10, 2025. This means thousands of pilgrims who usually opt for #helicopter rides from #Neelgrath or #Pahalgam to #Panjtarni will have to rely on road treks, ponies, or palkis to reach the holy cave shrine of Lord Shiva.
The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (#SASB) has urged pilgrims to make alternate arrangements and stated that refunds for pre-booked helicopter tickets will be issued through authorized booking portals.
Security agencies have stepped up ground surveillance and deployed additional personnel along the traditional #Baltal and Pahalgam routes to ensure the safety of yatris.
The Amarnath Yatra 2025 is scheduled to run from July 3 to August 9.
