Sikkim MP’s Urgent Plea in Parliament Over Heartbreaking Flight Cancellations at Pakyong Airport

Concerns Raised Over Flight Cancellations at Pakyong Airport

In a recent parliamentary session, Sikkim’s Rajya Sabha MP, DT Lepcha, voiced serious concerns about frequent flight cancellations at Pakyong Airport, particularly during the monsoon season. Addressing the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Lepcha sought details about measures to boost the airport’s operations under challenging conditions.

Responding to Lepcha, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol acknowledged the substantial difficulties faced during monsoons, with visibility often dropping to 500 meters or less. He noted, however, that the introduction of the Required Navigation Performance (RNP) approach in January 2021 has significantly alleviated the problem, reducing flight cancellations by 75%.

Mohol also revealed that a feasibility study had been conducted to explore the installation of GAGAN-based navigation aids and an Instrument Landing System (ILS) at Pakyong Airport. Despite these efforts, he highlighted that the airport’s hilly terrain and limited space pose significant challenges to deploying these advanced systems.

Lepcha’s inquiry and the minister’s response highlight ongoing initiatives to improve air connectivity to Sikkim, a key tourist hub in India’s Northeast.

Also read: Guwahati water crisis: Access to drinking water a challenge as floods swept the city

Original Story https://www.indiatodayne.in/sikkim/story/sikkim-mp-raises-concern-in-parliament-over-flight-cancellations-at-pakyong-airport-1054792-2024-07-22?utm_source=rssfeed
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