<ul><li><keyword id="3658" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword>’s 100th airport, the <keyword id="3200271" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pakyong-airport">Pakyong airport</keyword>, began commercial flight operations today.</li><li>The north-eastern state in India, <keyword id="48118" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sikkim">Sikkim</keyword>, finally has its own airport located 4,500 feet above sea level. </li><li>The <keyword id="4788452" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="pakyong">Pakyong</keyword> airport is only 60 km from the India-China border with one of tallest reinforced soil walls in the world.</li></ul>If tourists wanted to visit the north-eastern state of Sikkim, normally they would land at <keyword id="6357783" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="West-bengal">West Bengal</keyword>’s <keyword id="1726182" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bagdogra-airport">Bagdogra airport</keyword> and then travel the rest of the 124 km by bus or car to reach Sikkim’s capital city of Gangtok. But, that’s set to change with Pakyong airport <a href="http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=183645" data-type="tilCustomLink" style="">opening for business today</a>. The first flight to Sikkim’s first airport took off today morning from Kolkata to land in Pakyong, which is only 33 km from Gangtok. Also known for its inauguration by Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword> as ‘India’s 100th airport’, the site is located 4,500 feet above sea level. In the works since 2009, with the Pakyong airport launching, every single state in India now has an airport within its borders. Though that may not be too impressive in comparison to some of the highest airports in the world that reach heights of nearly 15,000 feet above sea level, like Daocheng Yading Airport, it’s still an engineering accomplishment located amidst the <keyword id="52569" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="himalayas">Himalayas</keyword>. Construction at 4,500 feet Rather than romantic weather and hazy clouds, the reality for engineers includes facing the harsh climatic conditions at that height including the Indian monsoon. The Pakyong airport has been constructed by carving into the mountain face and building one of the world’s reinforced soil walls. The key was ensuring that the site was stable to house a 1,700-meter runway that’s 3 meters wide. The entire area covers 990 acres of land, with a 3,000 square meter terminal building that can handle 100 passengers at a time. Even getting the requisite materials up to the site was an issue due to the narrow mountain roads. Security, though not a direct concern, was definitely on the mind with the airport being only 60 km from the India-China border. It took 11 years of planning, construction and delays to finally bring the Pakyong airport into being costing the government upward of ₹6 billion. With travelling to Sikkim being more accessible now, the project is expected to spell growth for the state’s tourism industry.

Every state in India now has a functional airport

The country is likely to add nearly 80 airports in the next four to five years, the aviation regulator has said, adding that aerodromes meanwhile need to fulfil certain requirements to start the operation of flights. In the last eight years, the number of airports in the country has increased from 74 to 141, and as per the Ministry of <keyword id="6368649" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="civil-aviation" source="Orion">Civil Aviation</keyword>, this will grow up to 220 in the next four to five years. The Civil Aviation Ministry has given 'in-principle' approval for setting up of 21 greenfield airports across the country, including Mopa in Goa; Navi Mumbai, Shirdi and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra; Kalaburagi, Vijayapura, Hassan and Shivamogga in Karnataka; Dabra in Madhya Pradesh; Kushinagar and Noida (Jewar) in Uttar Pradesh; Dholera and Hirasar (Rajkot) in Gujarat; Karaikal in Puducherry; Dagadarthi (Nellore), Bhogapuram and Orvakal (Kurnool) in Andhra Pradesh; Durgapur in West Bengal; Pakyong in Sikkim; Kannur in Kerala; and Hollongi (Itanagar) in Arunachal Pradesh. So far, eight greenfield airports -- namely Durgapur, Shirdi, Sindhudurg, Pakyong, Kannur, Kalaburagi, Orvakal and Kushinagar -- have been operationalised. As per the Aviation Ministry, in the financial year 2022-23, the Centre has granted site clearance to the Himachal Pradesh government for development of a new greenfield airport at Nagchala, Mandi. Besides, 35 airports, helipads and water aerodromes are targeted for development during FY 2022-23 under RCS-UDAN. An official said that for safety purposes, an aerodrome needs to meet the specifications regarding its management systems, operational procedures, physical characteristics, assessment and treatment of obstacles, visual aids, rescue and fire-fighting services, as per the <keyword id="6354787" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="dgca" source="Orion">DGCA</keyword> CAR (Civil Aviation Requirement). While these guidelines are for the licensing of the aerodrome from the technical point of view, the licence for operation of airports is granted by the Central government as per the Civil Aviation policy. As far as site clearance for a greenfield airport for public use is concerned, prior to commencing the construction, the owner or developer of the greenfield aerodrome will have to file applications to the steering committee at the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The request for site approval and issuance of in-principle approval in respect of these aerodromes will be dealt by the concerned department in the Ministry as per the greenfield airport policy. Licence for the aerodromes is given in two categories, including for private use and for public use and usage of private use aerodromes excludes the operation of scheduled flights. For the public use category, the Ministry of Civil Aviation will grant site clearance and 'in-principle' approval for all proposals as per the greenfield airport policy. On the other hand, for the private use category, site clearance as well as 'in-principle' approval will be granted by the regulator as per technical assessment of the site and based on usage of the airport. The 'in-principle' approval granted by DGCA indicates that the proposed airport is essentially meant for non-commercial operations by the licensee and by individuals specifically authorised by the licensee only, said the DGCA, as per the new guidelines. Explaining the procedure for converting the usage of airports, the guidelines said that the government approvals as per the prevailing policy will be required for this. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/suzlon-energys-founder-chairman-tulsi-tanti-passes-away-due-to-cardiac-arrest/articleshow/94596261.cms">Suzlon Energy’s founder chairman Tulsi Tanti passes away due to cardiac arrest</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/airtel-5g-services-launched-in-eight-cities-the-entire-country-to-be-covered-by-2024/articleshow/94579199.cms">Airtel 5G services launched in eight cities, the entire country to be covered by 2024</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/economy/news/the-fed-has-the-world-in-its-hands-and-its-aggressive-moves-are-creating-global-economic-chaos-that-could-come-back-and-hurt-the-us/articleshow/94587248.cms">The Fed has the world in its hands — and its aggressive moves are creating global economic chaos that could come back and hurt the US</a>

India to add 80 airports in next 4-5 years; new rules for aerodromes

Low cost carrier <keyword id="6358032" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="spicejet" source="Orion">SpiceJet</keyword> is said to be in active discussion with a <keyword id="859863" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="middle-eastern" source="Orion">Middle Eastern</keyword> carrier for a possible stake sale. SpiceJet promoter <keyword id="6357826" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="ajay-singh" source="Orion">Ajay Singh</keyword> holds a stake of around 60 per cent in the budget carrier. Sources said a big Middle Eastern airline has expressed interest to pick a 24 per cent stake and a board seat in SpiceJet. A big Indian business conglomerate has also approached Singh for a stake in the airline. Reacting to the development, a <keyword id="1002649" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="spicejet-spokesperson" source="Orion">SpiceJet Spokesperson</keyword> said, "The company continues to be in discussions with various investors to secure sustainable financing and will make appropriate disclosures in accordance with applicable regulations." Earlier, on Tuesday, SpiceJet said that it entered into a full and final settlement with the <keyword id="54875" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="airports-authority-of-india" source="Orion">Airports Authority of India</keyword> (<keyword id="47439" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="aai" source="Orion">AAI</keyword>) and has cleared all outstanding principal dues of the airport operator. With this, SpiceJet will no longer remain on 'cash and carry' at AAI run airports across the country and will revert to advance payment mechanism for daily flight operations. SpiceJet's ability to clear the pending dues reflects the airline's improved cash flow in recent times. SpiceJet's domestic network covers the length and breadth of the country with the airline operating to 51 domestic destinations. <keyword id="16140" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="pioneer" source="Orion">Pioneer</keyword> of the regional connectivity scheme, SpiceJet is the country's largest regional player helping connect the remotest parts of the country by air. The airline's focus on providing direct flight connectivity to regional hubs not only ensures better connectivity, it also has a cascading effect on tourism and economic activity in the region. SpiceJet has added multiple <keyword id="6366656" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="udan" source="Orion">UDAN</keyword> destinations to the country's aviation map including Pakyong, Jharsuguda, Kandla, Darbhanga, Kanpur, Ajmer (<keyword id="194159" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="kishangarh" source="Orion">Kishangarh</keyword>), among others. SEE ALSO : <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/sun-pharma-chairperson-israel-makov-to-retire-on-august-29/articleshow/93314360.cms">Sun Pharma Chairperson Israel Makov to retire on August 29</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/surgeons-use-virtual-reality-to-separate-twins-with-conjoined-heads-in-a-27-hour-long-surgery/articleshow/93314424.cms">Surgeons use virtual reality to separate twins with conjoined heads in a 27-hour-long surgery</a>

SpiceJet in active discussion with Middle Eastern carrier for a possible stake sale

Low-cost carrier <keyword id="6358032" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="spicejet" source="Orion">SpiceJet</keyword> has entered into a full and final settlement with the <keyword id="54875" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="airports-authority-of-india" source="Orion">Airports Authority of India</keyword> (<keyword id="47439" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="aai" source="Orion">AAI</keyword>) and cleared all outstanding principal dues of the airport operator. With this, SpiceJet will no longer remain on "cash and carry" at AAI-run airports across the country and revert to advance payment mechanism for daily flight operations. According to the airline's spokesperson, SpiceJet's ability to clear the pending dues reflects the airline's improved cash flow in recent times. "In another big boost for the airline, AAI will release SpiceJet's Rs 50 crore bank guarantee following the airline clearing all its principal dues. This will result in additional liquidity for the airline," said the airline. SpiceJet has flown with the highest passenger load factor in the Indian skies for a record seven years. Starting April 2015, the airlines has recorded the highest occupancy among all Indian domestic airlines - a feat unparalleled in global aviation. The airline also holds the envious distinction of having flown with a Passenger Load Factor (PLF) of more than 90 per cent for a record 58 consecutive months. The airline's domestic network covers the length and breadth of the country with it operating to 51 domestic destinations. Pioneer of the regional connectivity scheme, SpiceJet is the country's largest regional player helping connect the remotest parts of the country by air. The airline's focus on providing direct flight connectivity to regional hubs not only ensures better connectivity, it also has a cascading effect on tourism and economic activity in the region. SpiceJet has added multiple <keyword id="6366656" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="udan" source="Orion">UDAN</keyword> destinations to the country's aviation map including Pakyong, Jharsuguda, Kandla, Darbhanga, Kanpur, Ajmer (Kishangarh), among others. SEE ALSO : <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/top-10-cars-sold-in-india-in-july-2022-maruti-suzuki-tata-and-hyundai-brand-in-only-top-10/slidelist/93289907.cms">Top cars sold in India in July 2022</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/air-india-to-extend-the-flying-age-of-its-pilots-to-65/articleshow/93288865.cms">Air India to extend the flying age of its pilots to 65</a>

Spicejet clears all outstanding principal dues of AAI

<ul><li>The <keyword id="9718315" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="air-india-express-plane-crash">Air India Express plane crash</keyword> which left 18 dead and over a 100 injured, happened when the plane was landing but overshot the <keyword id="7788102" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tabletop-runway">tabletop runway</keyword> at Kozhikode. </li><li>There are five tabletop runways in India – Mangalore in Karnataka, Kozhikode in Kerala and Lengpui in Mizoram, Shimla and Kullu in Himachal Pradesh and Pakyong in Sikkim.</li><li> In 2010, a Boeing 737 aircraft of Air India Express in Mangalore had overshot the runway, fell into the valley and exploded.</li></ul>The Air India Express plane crash which left 18 dead and over a 100 injured, happened when the plane was landing but overshot the tabletop runway at Kozhikode. The severe impact of the crash where the plane fell 35 feet into the valley, broke the plane into two pieces. <keyword id="9720709" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="what-is-a-tabletop-runway">What is a tabletop runway</keyword>? A tabletop runway is an airport which is located on the top of a plateau and the end of the runway overlooks a deep gorge. There are a total of five tabletop runways in India – Mangalore in Karnataka, Kozhikode in Kerala and Lengpui in Mizoram, Shimla and Kullu in Himachal Pradesh and Pakyong in Sikkim. Landings at these airports require extra skill because of the lack of space. According to <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/kozhikode-plane-crash-air-india-express-flight-tabletop-runway-a-challenge-no-fire-was-saving-grace-6545127/">reports</a>, tabletop runways have no room for errors during landing. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/thelife/news/an-air-india-plane-crashed-while-landing-at-a-notoriously-tricky-airport-heres-why-tabletop-runways-can-be-so-treacherous/articleshow/77424368.cms">Experts say</a> that landings at tabletop runways are also tricky because they create an optical illusion for the pilots. Experts told IANS that the Himachal Pradesh airport in Jubbarhatti - located 2,196 metres above the sea level - is one of country's 'riskiest' table-top airport. <div type="image" title="shimla airport" msid="77428345" hostid="261"></div> The Mangalore crash of 2010 And the tragic incident in Kerala is not the only one to have happened at a table-top runway airport. In 2010, a Boeing 737 aircraft of Air India Express in Mangalore had overshot the runway, fell into the valley and exploded. In the crash, 158 people were killed. However, the Kerala incident didn’t have resemblance to the Mangalore crash. "In Mangalore, pilots had landed the aircraft in the middle of the runway. Then they quickly tried to take-off again, thereby using thrust and power," a senior commander told IANS from Mumbai. In the Kerala incident, along with the tricky runway, the heavy rains were an added disadvantage to the pilot. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/images-of-the-air-india-express-plane-crash-in-kerala/slidelist/77426706.cms">Devastating images show how Air India express plane crash in Kerala split the flight in two and left 18 dead and over a 100 injured</a>

These are the tabletop airports in India – two of them have seen major plane crashes in last 10 years

<ul><li>Bad weather and low visibility were bottlenecks that led to the decision.</li><li>A notice to this effect has been put up at the reception and the ticket counter of the airport.</li><li>The airline, which started operations from the table-top airport in 2018, currently operates daily direct flights to Delhi and Kolkata.</li></ul> <keyword id="6358032" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="SPICEJET" source="Orion">SpiceJet</keyword>, the only carrier that runs daily flights to and from the greenfield airport in <keyword id="48118" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="SIKKIM" source="Orion">Sikkim</keyword>'s Pakyong, will suspend services in the hill state from October 30 due to "operational constraints". According to a spokesperson of the budget airline, bad weather and low visibility were bottlenecks that led to the decision. "SpiceJet flights to and from Pakyong airport have been temporarily suspended with effect from October 30, 2022, due to operational constraints owing to the bad weather condition and low visibility at Pakyong. "Pakyong is a VFR (Visual Flight Rules) airport and does not have instrument landing facilities... To avoid inconvenience to our passengers, flight operations have been temporarily suspended. We will share an update once the services resume," the spokesperson said. A notice to this effect has been put up at the reception and the ticket counter of the airport. An airport official said on the condition of anonymity that SpiceJet has suffered significant losses during the monsoon season when the carrier had to cancel flights due to bad weather. The airline, which started operations from the table-top airport in 2018, currently operates daily direct flights to Delhi and Kolkata. Officials said the move will inconvenience locals, who avail flight services as and when available, besides adversely affecting the tourism industry in the land-locked state. "We are hoping that services will resume early next year as the weather is usually favourable around that time of the year," a tourism department official said. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/diwali-celebrations-begin-at-times-square-vp-kamala-harris-and-former-prez-donald-trump-to-attend/articleshow/95001470.cms">Diwali celebrations begin at Times Square: VP Kamala Harris and former Prez Donald Trump to attend</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/personal-finance/news/should-you-buy-gold-this-dhanteras/articleshow/94997439.cms">Should you buy gold this Dhanteras?</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/tata-consumer-products-profit-grows-36-to-355-crore-in-q2-fy23/articleshow/94992535.cms">Tata Consumer Products profit grows 36% to ₹355 crore in Q2 FY23</a>

You Searched For "Pakyong airport" and got 6 results

Every state in India now has a functional airport

Prabhjote Gill

India to add 80 airports in next 4-5 years; new rules for aerodromes

IANS

SpiceJet in active discussion with Middle Eastern carrier for a possible stake sale

IANS

Spicejet clears all outstanding principal dues of AAI

IANS

These are the tabletop airports in India – two of them have seen major plane crashes in last 10 years

Sanchita Dash

SpiceJet to suspend Sikkim operations from Oct 30 due to operational constraints

PTI