Flight operations at Sikkim’s Pakyong Airport resumed on Saturday after a gap of almost 18 months. A SpiceJet flight with 57 passengers landed at Pakyong airport and flew back to the national capital with 21 travellers.
It needs to be mentioned here that it was the maiden flight connecting the national capital with Sikkim.
Expressing gratitude to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang wrote on social media, “I am grateful towards the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Minister in-charge, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri for their timely intervention. The airport operations were put on halt due to the unplanned management and other issues. As soon as we formed the Government, we have rectified the issues and also installed the all weather landing system which was previously missing.
I extend my gratitude and congratulations to Hon’ble Minister Shri B.S Panth for his role in this matter.”
Terming this development as a new era of travel in Sikkim, Tamang said this will help in mitigating issues faced by the state in terms of transport. “I also believe that this will be a big boost for the tourism sector in Sikkim in years to come,” he added.
SpiceJet Chairman and Managing Director Ajay Singh tweeted, “Delighted to start flights to this strategic airport located on our border with China. This flight will give a boost to tourism in the magical state of Sikkim. Thank you @MoCA_GoI for making this possible.