As New York City continues its regular pace, the City Council held a vote today on a proposal to restrict "non-essential" helicopter flights from city-owned heliports. The proposed limitations follow a fatal crash over the Hudson River on April 10, which resulted in the deaths of five Spanish tourists and a pilot, leading to closer examination of helicopter operations in the city, as NBC New York reported.
While such restrictions would not affect helicopters deployed by law enforcement, medical personnel, news agencies, military operations, or film crews, the aim is pointed squarely at sightseeing and business travel. Over the past five years, there has been a significant uptick in helicopter-related noise complaints, a council hearing last April reflected the same concerns, as noted by Gothamist. If passed, the measures, which were introduced by Councilmember Amanda Farias, would take effect in December 2029, and would call for the city’s Economic Development Corporation to review how many flights currently fail to meet the stringent federal noise standards.
The initiative has received a combination of strong support and firm opposition. "Every day, non-essential tourist and charter helicopter flights around my district emit repetitive high-decibel noise and disrupt quality of life in one of the densest urban areas in the world," State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal told Gothamist. On the other side of the debate, Mayor Eric Adams has openly voiced his support for keeping helicopter flights for tourism and business purposes, highlighting the economic activity they spur within the city.
Mayor Adams, reiterating his stance in an interview with FOX5, insisted air travel is "crucial" for the city's appeal and economic strength, saying, "That is part of the attractions of businesses being in the city, people coming to the city, seeing the city from the air," as reported by NBC New York. However, some like New York State Assemblymember Robert Carroll and mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani call for immediate action, citing "too lax" safety protocols and the dangers posed to passengers and the city.
Amid ongoing discussions, the decision now rests with the City Council, as residents await the outcome on whether non-essential helicopter flights will be further restricted or continue as part of regular city activity. As part of the vote, the Council is also scheduled to consider three resolutions requesting that state and federal officials implement stricter regulations on non-essential helicopter operations through measures such as additional taxes or bans, in response to concerns raised by the public.
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