The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Park Service (NPS) have approved a plan to prohibit commercial air tours over Canyon de Chelly National Monument in northeastern Arizona. The ban, set to take effect in 180 days unless legally challenged, will also apply to areas within half a mile of the park’s boundaries.
Canyon de Chelly, located within the Navajo Nation and the Four Corners region, is renowned for its towering sandstone cliffs, prehistoric rock art, and Spider Rock, an iconic 800-foot spire. The monument has been home to Native Americans for millennia and remains one of the most visited national monuments in the U.S.
Commercial air tours over national parks, including those at Canyon de Chelly, have long been controversial. While supporters argue that these flights offer a unique experience, especially for older individuals and those with disabilities, critics contend that they disrupt the natural serenity of the parks and the experiences of visitors on the ground. Tribal members have also expressed concerns about the impact of aircraft noise on the sacred and cultural significance of the land.
Air tours at the park reportedly date back to the 1930s, with the practice expanding over the decades. However, safety concerns have been a recurring issue. Following a fatal collision over the Grand Canyon in 1986, which claimed 25 lives, route and altitude regulations were implemented. Despite these measures, helicopter tours remain a popular, though contentious, feature at other parks, including the Grand Canyon and national parks in Hawaii.
This latest decision reflects an ongoing effort to balance tourism, conservation, and respect for the cultural heritage of tribal lands.
