GANGTOK,: Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba on Tuesday submitted representations
to Civil Aviation ministers at New Delhi for expeditious resumption of flights
from Pakyong Airport, the lone airport of Sikkim.
Indra Hang met
Union Civil Aviation minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu and Union Minister of
State (Civil Aviation) Murlidhar Mohol at their respective offices to discuss
the urgent need for the resumption of flight services at Pakyong Airport.
During the
meeting, the Lok Sabha MP submitted a formal letter outlining key points
regarding the critical role of Pakyong Airport in improving connectivity and
boosting Sikkim's tourism-driven economy, a press release informs.
Indra Hang
highlighted the adverse impact of the prolonged non-operation of flights on the
State’s residents, particularly during health emergencies, and the significant
setback to the tourism sector, which forms the backbone of Sikkim’s economy.
With the winter tourist season which has already begun, he emphasized the
importance of resuming flight services at the earliest to ensure seamless
travel for visitors and residents alike.
During the
meeting, Indra Hang and the Central ministers discussed various issues related
to operational challenges at Pakyong Airport. Among the discussions was the
possibility of SpiceJet resuming flights on the Delhi-Pakyong-Delhi route from
December 2024 under the RCS-UDAN scheme, instead of waiting until March 2025.
The meeting
also explored options for IndiGo Airlines to commence operations from Kolkata
and Delhi to Pakyong while addressing payload restrictions and pilot training
requirements.
Designating
Bagdogra Airport as an alternate landing site during adverse weather
conditions, and introducing the GAGAN-based navigation system at Pakyong
Airport to improve reliability and operational efficiency were the other issues
discussed prominently.
The Civil
Aviation ministers acknowledged the importance of these concerns and assured the
Sikkim Lok Sabha of their commitment to addressing them immediately. They
expressed their willingness to extend necessary support to ensure the
resumption of flight operations at Pakyong Airport in a timely and sustainable
manner, the release mentions.
Indra Hang expressed
his gratitude for the ministers’ positive response and reassured his dedication
to pursuing this matter for the benefit of the people of Sikkim. The resumption
of flight services at Pakyong Airport is expected to significantly improve
connectivity, support the State’s economy, and address critical needs during
medical emergencies, the release from his office mentions.
