Centre Moves to Restore Pakyong Airport Flights

Sikkim’s sole Lok Sabha MP, Indra Hang Subba, announced that a high-level meeting was held in New Delhi on Tuesday to address the urgent resumption of flight services at Pakyong Airport, which have been suspended since June 2024. The meeting, chaired by Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol at Udaan Bhawan, focused on restoring this critical air link vital for Sikkim’s connectivity, tourism, and economy.

Pakyong Airport Director Balasaheb Pote presented a detailed overview of the airport’s current operational status, recent upgrades, and plans to improve infrastructure for sustainable flight operations. Subba emphasized the airport’s strategic role in connecting Sikkim with the rest of India, highlighting how the suspension has disrupted travel for residents, hampered tourism, and impacted local businesses, particularly during the peak season. He stressed the need for immediate action to address these challenges.

Discussions covered operational hurdles, including weather-related issues, the need for suitable aircraft, and reliable flight scheduling. Mohol assured full support from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, committing to collaborate with airlines and stakeholders to expedite the restoration of services. Representatives from SpiceJet, IndiGo, and Alliance Air attended, expressing readiness to work with authorities to ensure long-term, dependable operations.

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Subba expressed optimism about the outcomes, thanking Mohol and airline representatives for their commitment. “Restoring flights at Pakyong is crucial for Sikkim’s growth and accessibility,” he said, vowing to continue advocating for the state’s connectivity needs. The meeting marks a significant step toward reviving air services, with further discussions planned to finalize timelines and address technical challenges.

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