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.