Pakyong, April 23: The Airport Advisory Committee (AAC) convened its bi-annual meeting at Pakyong Airport to review operational progress and deliberate on the resumption of passenger flight services.

The meeting was chaired by Member of Parliament Indra Hang Subba and attended by MLA of Gnathang–Machong Pamin Lepcha, alongside senior government officials, administrative authorities, airport and security personnel, and representatives from trade and local associations.

Key participants included former MP Nakul Das Rai; Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism & Civil Aviation Department, C.S. Rao, IFS; District Collector, Pakyong, Agawane Rohan Ramesh, IAS; CA to the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Urgen Lepcha; DFO Pakyong, S.P. Bhutia; and NHIDCL General Manager, Apan Bhaumik. Airport and security authorities were represented by Senior Superintendent of Police Paru Ruchal, Airport Director B.T. Pote, and Chief Airport Security Officer C.K. Pradhan.

Industry and local representatives, including Bum Tshering Tamang, Yap Tshering Kazi, Diwakar Basnett, Urmila Sharma, Sonam Chopel Sherpa, and Govind P. Sharma, also contributed to the discussions.

The six-month review focused on public and administrative concerns regarding passenger flight operations. Detailed deliberations addressed operational challenges, infrastructure requirements, and the strengthening of security measures. Officials from the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, District Administration, Police, and Airport Management emphasized the need for improved coordination, while trade, tourism, hotel, and transport representatives highlighted the economic impact of disrupted air connectivity.

The committee collectively resolved to undertake actionable steps in the coming months to ensure safe, consistent, and reliable air connectivity for the people of Sikkim and visiting tourists.