Sikkim: Safety Concerns Raised After Landslides Severely Damage Pakyong Airport’s Protection Wall

The damaged wall has raised serious safety concerns, as boulders dislodged from the structure pose an immediate risk to travelers using the highway

Safety concerns have been raised after rain-triggered landslide severely damaged the walls of Pakyong Airport, the only airport of Sikkim. A significant portion of the boundary wall has sunk, creating a hazardous situation for both the airport and commuters traveling along the Pakyong-Rhenock highway.

The damaged wall has raised serious safety concerns, as boulders dislodged from the structure pose an immediate risk to travellers using the highway.

Although Pakyong Airport is currently closed, the situation has exacerbated due to these falling boulders.

Flight services at Sikkim’s sole airport were suspended in September 2023 due to operational issues.

Although operations were initially scheduled to resume by March 31 this year, they have yet to recommence.

The Pakyong Airport, which features a challenging table-top runway, has faced irregular flight services since SpiceJet began operations in 2018, primarily due to visibility problems and other operational difficulties.

Authorities are currently assessing the damage and working on measures to ensure the safety of the area and resumption of airport operations.

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