After a hiatus of six months, flight operations are set to recommence at Sikkim's lone airport in Pakyong. A senior official, privy to the matter, revealed that services would resume on March 31, marking the end of a temporary halt due to operational challenges.
Pakyong airport director, RK Grover, disclosed that low-cost carrier SpiceJet will spearhead the revival with two flights originating from Kolkata and New Delhi respectively. Grover attributed the suspension to ongoing maintenance at the airport, which, although causing delays, has now been completed.
Highlighting the specifics, Grover mentioned that daily flights between Kolkata and Pakyong will be operational, supplemented by a five-day-a-week service between New Delhi and Pakyong. The flights will be operated using 78-seater aircraft, ensuring a considerable capacity to cater to the anticipated demand.
The resumption of services comes as a boon for tourists, especially during the impending summer holidays, which traditionally witness a surge in visitors to the picturesque Himalayan state of Sikkim. Moreover, the timing aligns perfectly with the travel aspirations of many, offering enhanced accessibility to the region.
SpiceJet's flight schedule is designed to optimize convenience for travellers. The flight from Kolkata is slated to depart at 8.05 AM, reaching Pakyong by 9.35 AM. Subsequently, the return journey from Pakyong will commence at 10.30 AM, with an arrival in Kolkata at 12.10 PM.
The airport, boasting a tabletop runway, has encountered sporadic operational challenges since the initiation of flight services in 2018. Visibility issues and other operational hurdles have intermittently disrupted services, underscoring the significance of consistent maintenance and operational oversight.
With this latest development, stakeholders are optimistic about fortifying connectivity with Sikkim and nurturing its burgeoning tourism sector. The reinstatement of flight services is poised to rejuvenate the region's economy and foster greater accessibility to one of India's most enchanting destinations.
In essence, the impending revival of flight operations at Pakyong Airport heralds a new chapter in Sikkim's aviation landscape, promising enhanced connectivity and opportunities for travellers and locals alike.