New Delhi, July 29, 2024: The issue of frequent flight cancellations at Pakyong Airport in Sikkim, especially during the monsoon season, was discussed in the Rajya Sabha today. Shri Dorjee Tshering Lepcha expressed concerns over the disruptions affecting tourists and locals, prompting him to question the Ministry of Civil Aviation on possible solutions.
Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Shri Murlidhar Mohol, acknowledged the problem, citing that Pakyong Airport operates under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), which require a minimum visibility of 5 km. However, during monsoons, visibility can drop to 500 meters, leading to frequent flight disruptions.
In response, Shri Lepcha suggested rerouting flights to Bagdogra Airport during these periods to reduce inconvenience. Minister Mohol explained that the deregulated aviation market allows airlines to make independent decisions based on operational and commercial viability, adhering to Route Dispersal Guidelines (RDGs). Consequently, rerouting decisions are at the discretion of airline operators.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing connectivity while respecting airline autonomy.