Pakyong Airport

High in the Himalayas, where the clouds touch the mountain peaks, lies the aerial gateway to the amazing state of Sikkim — Pakyong Airport. This is not merely a transport hub, but one of the most picturesque locations for take-offs and landings in the world. Opened in 2018, it became an engineering marvel and the 100th operational airport in India, significantly simplifying the journey for travellers to the state capital, Gangtok. The airport serves as a starting point for exploring the region's breathtaking landscapes and unique culture.

Pakyong Airport is more than just a terminal; it is an impressive achievement in itself. It ranks among the five highest airports in India, situated at an altitude of about 1,400 metres above sea level. Its construction was a vital step for the development of tourism and transport accessibility in the state of Sikkim, which was previously accessible only via mountain roads. Thanks to its location, the airport offers passengers incredible views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges right from the window, making the beginning and end of the journey truly unforgettable.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the operations of Pakyong Airport (PYG), flight schedules, and available services, it is recommended to consult official sources. Below are the key contact details.

• Official Website: The most reliable information can be found on the airport's page on the Airports Authority of India (AAI) portal: www.aai.aero/en/airports/pakyong.
• Helpline Phone: For general enquiries and information, you can use the terminal number: +91-3592-291920.
• Airport Address: Pakyong, Sikkim 737106, India.
• Email: To contact the airport administration, you can use the email: apd_pakyong@aai.aero.
• Social Media: Pakyong Airport does not have specialised social media pages. Important updates are published on the official accounts of the Airports Authority of India.
• Lost & Found Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you must immediately contact your airline's Lost & Found service at the airport. For items left behind in the terminal building, please contact the information desk.
• Passenger Support Service: For assistance and advice regarding your stay at the airport, please approach the information desk or call the general helpline number.

Pakyong Airport (PYG) is the main aerial gateway to the state of Sikkim, located approximately 30-35 kilometres south of its capital, the city of Gangtok. The route from the airport to the city winds through picturesque mountain roads, so travel time depends on the season and traffic conditions. There are several ways to reach the city centre.

Taxi and Transfer. This is the most common and convenient method. A journey by private taxi from the airport to Gangtok takes approximately 1.5–2 hours. You can use pre-paid taxi services, counters for which are located inside the terminal building, or book a car through your hotel. The cost of the trip varies but averages between 2,000–3,000 Indian Rupees. A more budget-friendly option is a shared taxi (shared jeep), which departs once full and costs significantly less, though it may take longer due to stops along the way.

Public Transport and Car Rental. Direct bus services between Gangtok and Pakyong Airport are virtually non-existent and are not a popular choice among tourists. Regarding car rentals, the "self-drive" option is not common in this region of India. Generally, renting implies hiring a car with a local driver, which essentially functions as a private transfer.

Airport Parking. There is a parking area within the airport grounds, primarily intended for short stays — dropping off and picking up passengers. If you plan to leave a vehicle for a longer period, it is recommended to check availability and rates in advance.

Features and Alternatives. It is important to remember that operations at Pakyong Airport are highly dependent on weather conditions, and flights are frequently delayed or cancelled during the monsoon season or due to poor visibility. For this reason, many travellers use the larger and more reliable Bagdogra Airport (IXB), which is a 4-5 hour drive from Gangtok. There are also airports in neighbouring regions, such as Paro Airport in Bhutan or Bhadrapur Airport in Nepal, although flying through them requires planning regarding international borders and visa formalities.

Pakyong Airport (PYG) is a modern yet very compact airport. Its main feature, which simplifies life for any traveller, is the presence of just one passenger terminal. This is a small two-storey building designed for maximum convenience and speed of passenger service.

The terminal handles both departing and arriving flights. Thanks to this, you do not need to worry about transferring between terminals — they simply do not exist here. The layout of the airport is extremely simple and intuitive: all key zones — from check-in counters to boarding gates — are located in one building, making navigation as easy as possible. It is practically impossible to get lost here.

Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated but located in close proximity to each other. Upon departure, you enter the general hall, proceed to the check-in counters, then to security screening, and finally into a small but comfortable waiting lounge. The arrival zone includes the baggage claim belt and the exit to the city. The entire journey from the entrance to the gate, or from the aircraft to the exit, takes minimal time.

Completing all formalities, such as flight check-in and security screening, usually proceeds quickly and without long queues. This is due to the small number of flights handled simultaneously. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport generally 1.5–2 hours before departure to check in luggage and go through all procedures without rushing.

No special knowledge is required to navigate Pakyong Airport. There are clear signs in English and local languages everywhere, and staff are always ready to help. The main advice is to simply follow the standard signs for departing or arriving passengers. Everything here is designed to ensure your journey begins and ends with comfort and without unnecessary hassle.

Pakyong Airport (PYG) is not just a transport hub, but a true marvel of engineering and one of the youngest and most scenic airports in India. Its history began not long ago, yet it has already become a symbol of progress for the entire region. The idea of building an airport in the state of Sikkim, which was previously the only one in the country without its own air harbour, was cultivated for many years.

The foundation of the future airport was laid in 2009. Construction became a real challenge: engineers had to work in difficult mountainous terrain conditions at an altitude of about 1,400 metres above sea level. To create the runway and necessary infrastructure on the steep slopes of the Himalayas, massive work was carried out to reinforce the soil and erect giant retaining walls. This project is considered one of the most complex in the history of the country's aviation construction.

The grand opening of Pakyong Airport took place on 24 September 2018, and the first commercial flight was operated on 4 October of the same year. This event radically changed the transport accessibility of Gangtok and the entire state of Sikkim. Previously, the nearest airport was in Bagdogra, and the road from there took 4-5 hours. With the advent of Pakyong, the journey time for tourists and locals has been reduced significantly.

Throughout its short history, the airport has not undergone major renovations, as it was originally built to modern standards. However, its operation is closely linked to weather conditions. Due to its high-altitude location, it periodically faces issues with poor visibility, especially during the monsoon season, which sometimes leads to flight delays or cancellations. Despite this, Pakyong remains one of modern India's most impressive achievements, being the first greenfield airport (built from scratch) in the northeast of the country and one of the highest in the nation.

Pakyong Airport (PYG) is a modern and compact air terminal serving the picturesque state of Sikkim in India. Despite its small size, it offers passengers all the basic amenities for a comfortable wait before their flight. In the terminal, you will find several small cafes and snack bars where you can have a coffee and a bite to eat before departure. There are also shops where you can purchase souvenirs, local teas, and handicrafts as a memento of your journey.

For the convenience of passengers, comfortable waiting lounges are provided in the airport building. Although separate VIP lounges may be absent, the general areas are comfortable enough for resting. Passengers can make use of free Wi-Fi to stay connected, as well as find charging stations for electronic devices. It is recommended to check with your airline regarding the availability of any special premium lounges.

Other important services are available at Pakyong Airport. There are ATMs within the terminal, however, currency exchange services are limited, so it is better to arrange currency exchange in advance in major cities such as Gangtok. A medical centre operates to provide first aid in emergency situations. Families with small children can use the specially equipped mother and child room.

The airport is equipped to serve passengers with reduced mobility. Wheelchairs and assistance are provided, but it is recommended to notify your airline in advance to receive this service. There are no hotels within the airport itself, but a wide range of accommodation options — from budget guesthouses to comfortable hotels — can be found in the nearest major city, Gangtok, located approximately 30-35 km away.

Since Pakyong Airport is primarily focused on passenger transport, it lacks specialised conference halls and business centres. Travellers who need to work are advised to use the general waiting areas with Wi-Fi access.

When planning a departure from Pakyong Airport, it is important to consider that this is a small regional airport, and dining options here are quite limited. It does not boast a large selection of restaurants or an extensive network of cafes like major international hubs. Nevertheless, you can find everything necessary for a small snack before your flight.

A small cafeteria or snack bar usually operates in the main terminal building. Most often, it is located in the public area before security control (landside), but a small kiosk with drinks and snacks may also be present in the departure zone (airside). Here, travellers can purchase packaged snacks (crisps, biscuits), sandwiches, pastries, as well as hot and cold drinks — tea, coffee, water, and juices.

For those wishing to try something local, popular Sikkim snacks, such as momos (steamed dumplings), can sometimes be found on the menu. However, their availability is not guaranteed, and the assortment is generally focused on quick bites. Specialised dietary options, such as vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes, are practically impossible to find here. Passengers with strict dietary requirements are recommended to bring food with them.

Recommendations:

• For a quick snack: The airport is ideal for having a cup of tea or coffee and grabbing a packaged snack.
• For a full meal: It is best to eat beforehand at one of the numerous cafes or restaurants in Gangtok, as opportunities for a hearty lunch or dinner are absent at the airport.

The opening hours of food outlets at Pakyong Airport depend directly on the flight schedule — they open shortly before the first departure and close after the last aircraft leaves. Prices for food and drinks are moderate for an airport.

A journey through Pakyong Airport can be a pleasant part of your adventure in the Himalayas. To ensure everything goes smoothly, use our tips to help you navigate this unique high-altitude airport.

Arrival Time and Check-in
We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. Despite its compact size, queues can occur during peak season. To save time, complete online check-in for your flight in advance. Security screening procedures here are standard but usually proceed faster than in major airports in India.

Choosing a Seat for the Best Views
Be sure to try and get a window seat! Pakyong Airport is famous for its stunning views of the Himalayas during take-off and landing. In clear weather, you can even see the peak of Mount Kanchenjunga. Generally, the best panoramas open up on the left side of the aircraft when landing in Gangtok and on the right side when departing, but this may change depending on the flight path.

Hand Luggage Rules
Standard international norms apply: liquids in containers no larger than 100ml, packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Carefully check your airline's requirements regarding power banks — they can only be carried in hand luggage.

Connections and Customs Control
Pakyong Airport mainly serves domestic flights. If you have a connection to an international flight planned, it will likely be at a larger airport (for example, in Kolkata or Delhi). Allow sufficient time for the connection. Customs control is only undergone by passengers of rare international charters; for most travellers, it is not relevant.

How to Save Time and Money
Book your transfer from the airport to the city in advance online — this is often cheaper than taking a taxi on the spot. The choice of dining establishments at the airport is limited, so you can bring light snacks with you. Do not forget about online check-in to avoid queues at the counters.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay
Important: Weather in the mountains is unpredictable. Fog and strong winds are frequent causes for delays, cancellations, or flight diversions to the nearby Bagdogra Airport. Regularly check the status of your flight on the airline's website. Keep the carrier's contact details at hand and be prepared for possible changes in the schedule. Remain calm — flight safety is always the priority here.