New York City lawmakers approved legislation Thursday that would limit helicopter use in the city, including for tourist flights like the one that crashed in the Hudson River two weeks ago.
One bill prohibits “non-essential” flights from city-owned heliports if the helicopters do not meet the most stringent federal noise standards. The restrictions would not apply to aircraft used by law enforcement officials, medical personnel, news agencies, the military and film crews, according to the legislation.
It aims to reduce noise from helicopters used for sightseeing and business travel and follows a massive increase in helicopter-related noise complaints over the past five years. Supporters of the bill say it would improve people’s health and safety by lowering the risk of conditions like high blood pressure and impaired cognitive function — and the risk of crashes. But opponents say it could harm the city’s tourism and aviation industries by removing a longtime attraction.
The measure will take effect in December 2029, with the restrictions being incorporated into contracts between heliport operators and the city’s Economic Development Corporation. It also requires the agency to report on how many flights do not currently meet the noise standards at the city's Downtown Skyport and 34th Street Heliport on the East River.
The legislation, which was introduced by Councilmember Amanda Farias of the Bronx last year, had 28 initial cosponsors, two more than the Council majority needed to pass. It has come into sharper focus in the wake of the April 10 Hudson River crash that killed a family of five Spanish tourists and their pilot, which remains under federal investigation.
A City Hall spokesperson said the administration understands calls to ban helicopters in the wake of the crash, but emphasized that any policy decisions should be informed by the ongoing federal investigation. The spokesperson said the city remains committed to public safety while also supporting tourism and aviation as important parts of the city’s economy.
Aviation industry representatives said during a hearing last year that they were willing to collaborate with communities affected by helicopter noise and were working to put in place electric technology that would make chopper use quieter and more sustainable.
Josh Rousseau, the Northeastern regional representative for Vertical Aviation International, a trade association, said his organization had “serious concerns” about whether the city or state could legally regulate helicopter operations without federal involvement.
“Uniform federal authority is essential to maintaining safe and efficient transportation in the nation's airspace,” he said, adding that “the economic impacts of enacting legislation to ban non-essential helicopters are beyond significant.”
But state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, who represents parts of the West Side of Manhattan and has pushed for restricting non-essential helicopter flights, testified at the hearing that chopper traffic was ailing his constituents.
“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,” he said. “These helicopters are more than only a nuisance; they cost our communities in long-term health outcomes and harm the quality of our air and environment.”
Following the April 10 crash, Mayor Eric Adams has said he supports helicopter flights for tourism and business purposes, as they are part of the life of the city and help generate economic activity. He said the priority should be on ensuring they are safe and the helicopters are well-maintained.
This story has been updated to reflect the Council vote.
