The government has suspended helicopter services for pilgrims during the forthcoming Amarnath yatra and declared the yatra routes a “No-Fly Zone” for the yatra period.
According to Government Order No. 321-HOME of 2026, all routes associated with the pilgrimage, including the traditional Pahalgam route in South Kashmir and the Baltal route in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, will remain under No-Fly Zone restrictions from July 1 until the completion of the Yatra.
The decision comes against the backdrop of heightened security concerns and follows a series of high-level review meetings chaired by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha with senior officials from the police, civil administration, intelligence agencies, Army, CAPFs and disaster management authorities.
Officials said the move is aimed at strengthening aerial security, preventing unauthorized flying activities and ensuring comprehensive surveillance along the pilgrimage routes.
Security agencies have been directed to maintain round-the-clock monitoring of the Yatra axis, which passes through difficult mountainous terrain and sensitive areas.
As a result of the order, helicopter services that were previously available for pilgrims travelling from Baltal and Pahalgam sectors to the Cave shrine will not operate during this year’s pilgrimage.
The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has advised devotees to undertake the journey on foot or use traditional services such as ponies and palkis.
Sources said security arrangements for yatra are being significantly enhanced with the deployment of additional personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Armed Police Forces and the Army. Multi-layered security grids, advanced surveillance systems, CCTV monitoring, anti-drone technology, Quick Response Teams, bomb disposal squads and emergency medical units are expected to be deployed across the pilgrimage routes.
The annual yatra to the cave shrine of Amarnath would commence on July 3 and conclude on August 28, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan.