Pakyong Airport – Everything You Need to Know About Flying into Sikkim

Sikkim has a way of stealing your breath—sometimes literally, at 5,000 metres beside a frozen lake, and sometimes figuratively, when the dawn light sets Khangchendzonga's five summits on fire. But before any of that magic unfolds, you need to actually get there. And that's where things get interesting.

Pakyong Airport (IATA: PYG) was supposed to change the game for Sikkim travel. In many ways it did—on paper. In practice, flying into Sikkim remains one of the trickiest logistics puzzles in Indian tourism. Here's everything you need to know before you book.

What Is Pakyong Airport?

Pakyong Airport opened in September 2018 as India's 100th operational airport. Spread over 201 acres, the airport is located about 31 km south of Gangtok, at an elevation of 4,646 ft, making it one of the five highest airports in India. It is also the first greenfield airport constructed in Northeast India and the only airport in the state of Sikkim.

The airport features a 116-metre-long taxiway connecting to an apron that can simultaneously accommodate two Bombardier De Havilland Q-400 or equivalent aircraft. Built on a hilltop with engineered slopes to stabilise the terrain, it's an impressive feat of mountain engineering—but that very geography is also its Achilles' heel.

Current Flight Status (July 2026): The Honest Picture

Let's cut to the chase: do not build your Sikkim itinerary around a flight to Pakyong.

Commercial flights have been suspended since June 2024 owing to operational issues brought on by bad weather and poor visibility, with the suspension continuing into the 2025 winter schedule (October 2025 to March 2026). AAI statistics for April 2025–March 2026 show zero passengers and zero aircraft movements.

While some booking platforms may display fares for future dates, there are currently no guaranteed scheduled flights—operations have been repeatedly suspended and resumed. If you must try to fly into PYG, contact airlines or a trusted travel agent to confirm whether a flight is scheduled on your desired date, the aircraft type, and the refund/cancellation rules—diversions to Bagdogra happen.

Why Do Flights Keep Getting Suspended?

Pakyong's hilltop location and short runway keep scheduled services thin and weather-dependent. The airport sits in a valley prone to low cloud, fog, and crosswinds—particularly during the monsoon (June–September) and winter months. Visibility windows for safe landings can be extremely narrow, and the runway length limits operations to smaller turboprop aircraft only.

Is There Hope for the Future?

In September 2025, the Sikkim government renewed efforts for long-term expansion, proposing to extend the runway from 1.75 kilometres to 2.75 kilometres to accommodate larger aircraft and improve reliability. In May 2025, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale also announced plans for a new airport in Sikkim to enhance tourism and improve regional connectivity. However, the proposal lacks a confirmed site, timeline, or detailed cost estimates. For now, treat any Pakyong resumption as a bonus, not a plan.

Your Reliable Alternative: Bagdogra Airport (IXB)

The real gateway to Sikkim is Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri, West Bengal. Bagdogra handles over 30 lakh passengers annually and offers multiple daily flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Guwahati.

Why Bagdogra works:

• Far more daily departures and arrivals than Pakyong; lower altitude, instrument approaches, and a longer runway mean much higher reliability.
• Frequent, scheduled flights from major Indian cities via carriers like IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Vistara.
• A well-established airport with services like pre-paid taxis, ATMs, and waiting areas.

Gangtok is about 120 km and a 4-hour drive through the Teesta Valley from Bagdogra. Yes, it's a longer transfer than the 31 km from Pakyong—but it's a transfer you can actually count on.

Getting from Bagdogra to Gangtok

The 4–5 hour mountain drive is scenic and straightforward. Here are your options:

Private Taxi

You can book directly at the pre-paid taxi counter inside Bagdogra Airport. It will cost around ₹3,200–₹5,800 depending on vehicle type (Dzire vs. Innova). This is the best option for families, groups, or anyone with heavy luggage—you can stop for photos and chai along the way.

Shared Jeep

Shared jeeps are available at the airport or at the Siliguri Junction stand. These are cost-effective and the best option for solo travellers, costing around ₹400–600 per seat.

SNT Bus

Sikkim Nationalised Transport operates a bus from Siliguri SNT Bus Stand to Deorali Bus Stop every 3 hours. Tickets cost $3–7 and the journey takes about 5 hours. You'll need to get from the airport to Siliguri bus stand first (auto-rickshaw or local taxi, about 20–30 minutes).

Pro tip: If your flight lands after 2 PM, consider overnighting in Siliguri and driving up the next morning. The mountain road is best enjoyed in daylight, and monsoon-season landslides can cause unpredictable delays on NH-10.

Getting from Pakyong to Gangtok (If Flights Resume)

Reaching Gangtok from Pakyong Airport is simple. Taxis and private cabs are readily available, and many hotels offer airport pickup services. The one-hour ride to Gangtok is filled with scenic beauty and winding mountain roads. Expect to pay around ₹800–1,500 for a taxi.

Permits: Don't Forget This Step

Sikkim requires permits for many of its most spectacular destinations, and the rules differ for Indian nationals and foreigners:

• Indian nationals need permits for Nathula Pass, Tsomgo Lake, North Sikkim circuits (Lachen, Lachung, Gurudongmar, Yumthang), and the Old Silk Route. Arrange these through registered tour operators 24–48 hours in advance.
• Foreign nationals require a Protected/Restricted Area Permit (PAP/RAP) to enter Sikkim and can visit only certain areas. Gurudongmar Lake, Nathula Pass, and Zuluk are off-limits to foreigners.
• Carry two passport-size photos per traveller and valid ID (Passport or Voter ID—Aadhaar is often not accepted for border-area permits).

Best Time to Fly In

Your flight timing should align with Sikkim's seasons:

• March–June (Prime season): Clear skies, rhododendron blooms, and open high-altitude lakes. Book early—this is peak demand.
• October–November (Autumn window): Crisp post-monsoon skies, superb mountain visibility, ideal for trekking and photography.
• December–February (Winter): Beautiful snow at altitude, but high passes and North Sikkim routes may close. Pakyong (if operational) is least reliable in winter.
• June–September (Monsoon): Avoid if possible—heavy rain, landslides on NH-10, and Pakyong's weather challenges are at their worst.

Quick-Reference Comparison: Pakyong vs. Bagdogra

Practical Tips for a Smooth Arrival

1. Always have a Plan B. Even if Pakyong flights resume, book refundable tickets and know the Bagdogra alternative.
2. Arrive in daylight. Mountain roads are best navigated before dark. Book morning flights to Bagdogra when possible.
3. Carry cash. ATMs thin out once you leave Gangtok. Withdraw enough at Bagdogra or Siliguri for your entire Sikkim leg.
4. Layer up on arrival. Gangtok sits at 1,650 m—even in summer, evenings are cool. If you're heading to North Sikkim or high lakes, pack thermals.
5. Sort permits early. Connect with your hotel or a registered tour operator before you land so permits are ready when you arrive.
6. Download offline maps. Mobile data can be spotty between Bagdogra and Gangtok, and coverage drops further in North and East Sikkim.

The Bottom Line

Pakyong Airport is an engineering marvel and a symbol of Sikkim's aspirations for better connectivity. But as of mid-2026, it remains operationally dormant. Flights are limited and weather-sensitive, so Bagdogra in West Bengal remains the reliable fallback.

The good news? That 4–5 hour drive from Bagdogra through the Teesta Valley is one of India's great approach roads—river gorges, terraced hillsides, and the gradual reveal of the Himalayan wall ahead. Think of it not as a detour, but as the opening chapter of your Sikkim story.

Plan smart, stay flexible, and let the mountains do the rest. Sikkim is worth every kilometre.