Gangtok, Dec 7: Sikkim’s Lok Sabha MP, Indra Hang Subba has urged the Centre for an urgent resumption of flight operations at Pakyong Airport.

He met with Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapupu on Friday to discuss on the problems of continued airport closure in Sikkim which gets a high number of tourists,

Flight services at the airport have been suspended since June 2024 due to operational challenges caused by poor visibility and adverse weather conditions. Additionally, the airport’s closure was exacerbated by a landslide that disrupted North Sikkim’s road network, further isolating the state.

MP Subba emphasized the critical need to restart services by December 2024, particularly with Sikkim’s peak tourist season on the horizon. He outlined the airport’s pivotal role in supporting tourism, improving connectivity, and enabling emergency healthcare access.

To overcome operational hurdles such as payload restrictions and pilot training, Subba proposed a joint meeting involving the Ministry of Civil Aviation and key airlines like SpiceJet and IndiGo. He also suggested practical measures, including the use of Bagdogra Airport as an alternate landing site during adverse weather and integrating the GAGAN navigation system to enhance reliability.

Union Minister Kinjarapupu assured his full support, reaffirming the strategic importance of Pakyong Airport and pledging efforts to restore its operations soon.

“I remain hopeful that these efforts will ensure seamless connectivity and foster economic growth in Sikkim,” Subba stated after the meeting.

Read: PM Modi’s governance brings 300% budget increase and transformation to North East India

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