Sikkim to have 6 heliports, Pakyong – Kolkata flights to resume from Sept 5 .

PRAKASH ADHIKARI, EOI, GANGTOK, AUGUST 28, 2023 : The Tourism and Civil Aviation Department of Sikkim has proposed the opening of six heliports and also informed about the upcoming projects and plans. 

Addressing a news conference on Monday, Additional Chief Secretary M. L. Shrivastava said six different heliports had been proposed to be opened in the six different districts of Sikkim to cater to the growing tourist traffic in the state. 

The Centre had also approved the resumption of flights from September 5 from Pakyong airport, lying closed since October 2022. From that date, SpiceJet would fly from Pakyong to Kolkata. 

A project for the construction of a skywalk at Bhaleydhunga, Yangang, had been sanctioned, to be funded by the PM DevINE. 

The work of the ropeway was also progressing at Bhaleydhunga, he informed. The second highest suspension bridge of Asia, Singshore Bridge in Uttary, would come up with PM DevINE fund. The transport department would soon announce the revised taxi fare rates.

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Photo Courtesy:  https://www.instagram.com/rakesh_rasaily.official/

Pakyong Airport: Construction Cost, Route, flight details and passenger amenities

Aliya Tabassum |20 Aug 2023 

Pakyong Airport Details: Sikkim’s Pakyong Airport – the first airport in the Himalayan State and the 100th airport in India, has boosted the tourism sector in northeast India. The seasonal domestic airport serves Gangtok (the capital of Sikkim).

Military flight operations

It should be mentioned that Pakyong Airport sits approximately 60 km (37.28 mi) from the India-China border.

The Indian Air Force, abbreviated as IAF, was the first to land an aircraft, a Dornier 228, at the airport in March 2018.

Construction cost

According to aai.aero, the construction cost of Pakyong Airport is Rs 708 crore.

The runway at this airport is 1,75 km in length and 30 meters in width. The taxiway is 116 meters in length.

Is Pakyong Airport operational?

Yes, the commercial run of the Delhi-Pakyong direct flight commenced on January 23, 2021.

Flights to Kolkata resumed on February 1, 2021. Both services were suspended in October 2022. However, flight services again resumed in March 2023.

Is SpiceJet the only airline to operate commercial passenger flights from Pakyong Airport?

Yes, SpiceJet the only airline to operate commercial passenger flights from Pakyong Airport (as of now)

Which airport is close to Gangtok Pakyong?

This greenfield airport is near Gangtok, which is the state capital of Sikkim, India.

The 990 acres airport is situated at Pakyong village about 35 km south of Gangtok.

Passenger amenities

Fare from Pakyong 

                 To Delhi: @+/- Rs. 4860/-

                 To Kolkata via Delhi: @+/- Rs. 10768/-

What is the maximum fare from Gangtok to Pakyong?

Taxi Type: Fare (Sample prices)

Compact: Rs 2500

Sedan: Rs 3000

SUV: Rs 3500

AC Tempo Traveler: Rs 4500

Pakyong to Gangtok Rental Cabs fare

Indica, Swift Hatchback- 4 Seats 2 Bags AC – Rs 250 onwards of tolls and taxes

Dzire, Honda City Sedan – 4 Seats 3 Bags AC – Rs 312 onwards of tolls and taxes

Xylo, Ertiga SUV- 6 Seats 4 Bags AC – Rs 500 onwards of tolls and taxes

What is the ropeway timing and ticketing cost in Gangtok?

Gangtok Ropeway: Hours and Ticketing

The two-way Gangtok ropeway tickets: Rs 117 per adult (18 years and above)

For minors (below 18 years of age): Rs 77.

Children of age 3 and below: Free

Video camera: Additional charge of Rs 100

What are the major places to visit at Pakyong?

One can say that Pakyong worth is visiting. The place is known for its serene atmosphere, breathtaking natural beauty, and beautiful weather.

The well-known tourist destinations include Rhenock Monastery, Tinjurey National Park, and Pakyong Airport.

Pakyong Airport: All you need to know

It is full of beautiful scenery and is located 124 km away from Bagdogra and around 60 km from the Indo-China border.

The airport consists of one terminal building for passengers, parking space for over 50 vehicles, and high-intensity runway lights.

The Sikkim Police look after the security of the airport.

Important points at a glance

Name: Pakyong Airport

Airport type: Public

Owner: Government of India

Operator: Airports Authority of India

Serves: Gangtok

Location: Pakyong, Pakyong District, Sikkim, India

Opened: September 4, 2018; 4 years ago

Time zone: Indian Standard Time (+5:30)

Elevation AMSL: 1,416 m / 4,646 ft

Coordinates: 27°13′57″N 88°35′18″E