Review and discussions on resumption of Pakyong Airport flight services

PAKYONG,  (IPR): The Airport Advisory Committee (AAC) convened its bi-annual meeting at Pakyong Airport on Wednesday to review the current status of airport operations and deliberate on the resumption of passenger flight services.

The meeting was chaired by Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), Indra Hang Subba, and attended by MLA of Gnathang–Machong, Pamin Lepcha. The session brought together key stakeholders, including senior government officials, administrative authorities, airport and security personnel, and representatives from trade and local associations.

Among the attendees were former Member of Parliament, Nakul Das Rai; Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism & Civil Aviation department, CS Rao,District Collector, Pakyong, Agawane Rohan Ramesh,CA to the Chief Minister, Urgen Lepcha; DFO, Pakyong, SP Bhutia; and general manager, NHIDCL, Apan Bhaumik.

Representing airport and security authorities were Senior Superintendent of Police, Pakyong District, Paru Ruchal; Airport director, Pakyong Airport; BT Pote, and Chief Airport Security Officer (CASO), Sikkim State Police, CK Pradhan.

The meeting also saw participation from industry and local representatives, including OSD, IT department, Boom Tshering Tamang, Yap Tshering Kazi, Diwakar Basnett, Urmila Sharma, Sonam Chopel Sherpa, and Govind P Sharma.

The primary focus of the six-month review meeting was to address public and administrative concerns regarding passenger flight operations. Detailed discussions were held on key issues such as the resumption of flight services, operational challenges faced by the airport, infrastructure requirements, and strengthening of security measures.

Officials from the Tourism and Civil Aviation department, District Administration, Police, and airport management shared inputs and suggestions to improve coordination and streamline operations. Representatives from the trade, tourism, hotel, and transport sectors also highlighted the impact of disrupted air connectivity on economic activities and emphasized the need for timely restoration of services.

The committee expressed a collective commitment to resolving existing operational hurdles through coordinated efforts. It was resolved that necessary and actionable steps would be undertaken in the coming months to ensure safe, consistent, and reliable air connectivity for the people of Sikkim as well as visiting tourists.