New York Helicopter Tours Shuts Down

New York Helicopters, a sightseeing helicopter company, has ceased operations immediately following a fatal crash in the Hudson River on April 10, 2025. The crash killed six people, including the pilot, Seankese Johnson, and a family of five Spanish tourists, among them Siemens executive Agustín Escobar and his wife Mercè Camprubí i Montal. The United States — Federal Aviation Administration announced the shutdown and will review the company's license and safety record. Senator Chuck Schumer had called for the company's permits to be revoked and for increased safety inspections across the industry, citing a 'deadly track record' for New York City's helicopter tour companies. The United States — National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash, with a preliminary report expected in 30 days. This incident has renewed concerns about the safety of nonessential helicopter flights in New York City, with critics advocating for stricter regulations or outright bans.