Discussion Takes Place Between Airport Authority and Aviation Body Regarding Potential Restart of Air Services at Pakyong Airport in Sikkim

Discussion Takes Place Between Airport Authority and Aviation Body Regarding Potential Restart of Air Services at Pakyong Airport in Sikkim

The suspension of flight services at Sikkim's Pakyong Airport, which began in June 2024, has been a significant challenge for the state's residents and its tourism and economic activities. The airport, located about 31 km from Gangtok and inaugurated in 2018, initially boosted air connectivity to the region. However, unpredictable weather, a short runway length, and the need for more suitable aircraft have caused prolonged disruptions.

In an effort to restore and sustain flight operations, a high-level meeting was held in New Delhi in August 2025. The meeting, chaired by Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, involved Sikkim’s lone MP Indra Hang Subba, airport authorities, and representatives of airlines including SpiceJet, IndiGo, and Alliance Air.

The strategic importance of Pakyong Airport in enhancing connectivity between Sikkim and the rest of India was emphasized. Key operational and technical challenges were discussed, including the impact of weather conditions on flight schedules, the need for deployment of suitable aircraft, and strategies for more reliable and predictable operations.

One of the proposed solutions to overcome these challenges is infrastructure enhancement. Plans to extend the runway to about 2.5–2.8 km are under consideration, which would permit larger aircraft to land and thereby solve several operational problems.

Mohol promised full cooperation from the Ministry of Civil Aviation to expedite the resumption of services at Pakyong Airport. The ministry will work closely with airlines and other stakeholders to address the issues hindering operations, exploring options such as acquiring suitable aircraft like the Bombardier Q400 and implementing infrastructure upgrades for long-term, reliable flight service at Pakyong Airport.

Subba, who expressed concern over the continued suspension of services, stated that Pakyong Airport is not just an infrastructure project, but a lifeline for Sikkim. He thanked the Union minister, officials, and airline representatives for their commitment to restoring the crucial air link.

The meeting concluded with representatives of the participating airlines expressing their readiness to coordinate with authorities to ensure dependable, long-term connectivity to Sikkim. The restoration of flight services at Pakyong Airport is a significant step towards boosting tourism and economic activities in the state, and the commitment from all parties involved offers a promising outlook for the future.

[1] Pakyong Airport: A Lifeline for Sikkim [2] Restoring Flight Services at Pakyong Airport: Challenges and Solutions [3] Sikkim's Pakyong Airport: A Game Changer for Northeast India [4] Pakyong Airport: A Strategic Move for India's Northeast [5] Pakyong Airport: A Boost to Sikkim's Tourism and Economic Growth

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