Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol Meets Sikkim Governor to Boost Air Connectivity at Pakyong Airport
Union Minister of State for Cooperation and Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, met with Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur at Raj Bhavan to discuss enhancing air connectivity in the state. A primary focus of their discussion was the operational challenges at Pakyong Airport, particularly the need to implement an advanced landing system to improve flight operations during low-visibility conditions.
Pakyong Airport, inaugurated in 2018, has faced frequent flight cancellations, especially during the monsoon season, due to poor visibility. Initially operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), which require a minimum ground visibility of 5 kilometers, the airport struggled when visibility dropped to 500 meters or less. In January 2021, a Required Navigation Performance (RNP) approach was introduced, reducing the visibility requirement to 2.4 kilometers and decreasing flight cancellations by 75%. However, the installation of an Instrument Landing System (ILS) has been limited by space constraints, hilly terrain, and the need for additional land and tree removal.
Governor Mathur has been proactive in addressing these challenges. During a two-day visit to Pakyong District in October 2024, he engaged with stakeholders, including local officials and airport authorities, to assess the operational issues affecting the airport. He emphasized the importance of the airport as a gateway for commerce and tourism in Sikkim and expressed commitment to resolving the obstacles hindering its full functionality.
In his meeting with Minister Mohol, Governor Mathur reiterated the urgency of operationalizing an advanced landing system at Pakyong Airport. Minister Mohol assured that efforts are underway to make the system functional soon and that additional airlines are expected to commence operations from the airport in the near future. This development is anticipated to boost Sikkim’s tourism sector and provide better connectivity for residents and visitors alike.
