Welcome to the gateway of the Himalayan state of Sikkim and experience the airports in Sikkim.
Amongst the pristine peaks and lush valleys lies Pakyong Airport, a seasonal domestic airport serving as the aerial link to the enchanting capital city, Gangtok.
Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscape, Pakyong Airport sprawls over 201 acres, boasting the distinction of being one of India’s highest airports at 4,646 ft above sea level to have the list of airports in Sikkim.
Surrounded by the nations of Tibet, Bhutan, and Nepal, Sikkim beckons travelers with its awe-inspiring vistas and cultural richness.
From the majestic Mount Kanchenjunga to the myriad adventure opportunities like trekking, skiing, and camping, there’s no shortage of experiences awaiting you.
Pakyong Airport
Pakyong Airport (IATA: PYG, ICAO: VEPY) is a testament to Sikkim’s growing connectivity.
Situated amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the northeastern Indian state, this seasonal domestic airport serves as the gateway to Pakyong airport to Gangtok, its picturesque capital.
Nestled in Pakyong, approximately 31 km (22 mi) south of Gangtok, this aviation hub sprawls across 201 acres (81 ha) of land. Remarkably, at an elevation of 4,646 ft, it ranks among India’s top five highest airports.
Inaugurated with great fanfare by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 24 September 2018, Pakyong Airport flights became operational on 4 October 2018.
Media outlets celebrated its construction prowess and hailed it as one of the world’s most scenic airports.
However, its journey faced turbulence due to adverse weather conditions, initially designed for Visual Flight Rules (VFR) operations.
Consequently, SpiceJet, the sole commercial operator, temporarily ceased flight services on 1 June 2019. After a hiatus of 19 months, operations resumed on 23 January 2021, equipped with Required Navigation Performance (RNP) approaches.
History
Before the construction of Pakyong Airport, Sikkim was the sole state in India, and it had no functional airport.
The nearest airports used to access Bagdogra, located 124 km (77 mi) away in the West Bengal, and Paro Airport in Bhutan.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the project to develop Pakyong Airport in October 2008.
Then, the Punj Lloyd Group was awarded the ₹2,640 million to Construct a runway, taxiway, and electrical work for the Greenfield airport were completed in January 2009.
The stone for the Greenfield airport was laid by the then Civil Aviation Minister (CAM), Praful Patel, in February 2009.
And on 5 March 2018, an IAF 228 landed on the completed airstrip, becoming the first aircraft to land at Pakyong.
SpiceJet had been awarded the Pakyong to Kolkata/Guwahati sides under the second round for the Government’s UDAN Regional Connectivity Scheme in January 2018.
Moreover, this received its commercial license from the DGCA on 5 May 2018. Finally, on 5 December 2019, 35 families affected by the airport’s construction signed a joint agreement.
They accepted the 1st installment in compensation for their loss of land, bringing years of protest to a close.
Structure
The Pakyong Airport in Sikkim stands as a testament to modern engineering prowess. The terminal building, covering 2,380 m², can comfortably accommodate up to 100 passengers.
Built by the AAI with an estimated cost of 605 crore, this architectural marvel boasts a 1,700 m × 30 m runway and a 116 m long taxiway connecting it to a spacious apron.
Managed by Ms PABSCON, the construction includes a fire station cum Air Traffic Control Tower, ensuring safety and efficient operations.
The airport is one of the tallest reinforced soil structures globally, employing innovative geotechnical engineering techniques.
Italian firm Maccaferri and partners Mott MacDonald and Punj Lloyd executed the project, winning accolades like the ‘International Project of the Year’ award in 2012.
This project carved a 150 m wide, 2 km long corridor from the mountainside, showcasing extraordinary dedication to creating a modern aviation hub amidst challenging terrain.
Moreover, navigation facilities like DVOR, HIRL, Aerodrome beacon, and PAPI further enhance its functionality.
Commercial flight operations
Initially hailed as a marvel of engineering amidst the Himalayan peaks, airports in Sikkim, particularly Pakyong, have faced challenges sustaining commercial flight operations due to adverse weather conditions.
Poor visibility caused by fog and other meteorological factors has frequently disrupted schedules, forcing airlines like SpiceJet to divert flights to alternative airports like Bagdogra.
Moreover, Pakyong’s need for essential navigation equipment for low-visibility scenarios compounded these issues.
Additionally, we need to further improve operations by adding essential strip areas, particularly on the western side, which are currently inadequate.
Landowner compensation disputes caused delays in extending the strip for civil works.
However, we’ve made progress, compensating affected families and conducting trial landings, which has led to the resumption of commercial flights.
SpiceJet reinstated its Delhi-Pakyong and Kolkata-Pakyong routes, marking a significant milestone in the region’s aviation sector.
Despite setbacks, efforts continue to enhance the infrastructure and ensure smoother flight operations in Sikkim.
Passenger amenities
Pakyong Airport, among the prominent airports in Sikkim, ensures passenger comfort with its range of amenities. Visitors can conveniently access a snack bar and a Prepaid Taxi counter within its premises.
The latter facilitates hassle-free transportation to nearby cities such as Gangtok, Namchi, Mangan, and Pelling or any other tourist destinations in Sikkim.
The airport at Pakyong is only 1 kilometer away from NH717A, offering easy accessibility. Further, you can explore and be part of Sikkim traditional festival also.
Moreover, the availability of prepaid taxis at reasonable rates further enhances the travel experience, making Pakyong Airport a pivotal hub for exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Sikkim.
Military flight operations
Pakyong Airport, located approximately 60 km (37.28 mi) from the India-China border, holds significant strategic value. In March 2018, the Indian Air Force (IAF) made history by landing a Dornier 228 aircraft at the airport.
In January 2019, an IAF Antonov-32 transport plane arrived to bolster troop and material transportation in the region.
Currently, the state government of Sikkim actively oversees security, following the MoU that the governments of Sikkim and India, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and the Airport Authority of India signed.
Such military operations underscore the critical role of airports in Sikkim, not just for civilian travel but also for national defense purposes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Pakyong Airport stands as the sole aviation hub in the mesmerizing state of Sikkim, seamlessly connecting travelers to the majestic Himalayan landscapes and the enchanting capital city of Gangtok.
Moreover, despite initial challenges posed by great weather conditions, the airport has persevered, resuming commercial operations and facilitating essential military flights.
However, as one of India’s largest airports, Pakyong Airport is a gateway for civilian travel and is strategically crucial for national defense.
With its modern infrastructure and amenities, including a spacious terminal and convenient taxi services, the airport ensures a comfortable and efficient experience for visitors exploring the wonders of Sikkim.
For those seeking to embark on a journey to this Himalayan gem, Pakyong Airport stands ready to welcome you to an unforgettable adventure.
FAQ
Q: How many airports are in Sikkim?
A: Pakyong Airport is the sole airport in Sikkim, located 31 km south of Gangtok. However, it is a sprawling 201-acre expanse and one of India’s five highest airports, at 4590 ft.
Q: How do you go to Sikkim by flight?
A: To reach Sikkim by air, travelers typically fly to Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal, which is the nearest airport. From there, it’s about a 5-hour journey by bus or taxi, covering approximately 124 km to Gangtok.
Q: Is Gangtok equipped with an airport?
A: Yes, Pakyong Airport is the airport near Gangtok, situated 35 km to the south. Spanning 400 hectares, it’s nestled in Pakyong village and is one of India’s highest airports.
Q: Which airport is preferable for accessing Sikkim?
A: While Pakyong Airport boasts its high-altitude charm, Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal, merely 124 km from Gangtok, is a convenient alternative for travelers venturing into Sikkim.
