India’s Breathtaking Airport In The Himalayan Mountains

Indian’s Pakyong Airport is an indication that airports are not just that strip of asphalt sometimes located in a remote part of town but can be a captivating work of engineering.

This airport is set in the Himalayn mountains at the height of 1,400 metres, and marks an outstaning landmark for aviation and travel in India.

India’s Prime Minister stated during the opening ceremony on Monday that this facility makes the 100th operational airports in India.

The airport costs $68.7M to build and shows the tremendous work that was put in by the engineers, workers to clear the mountains, fill the ditches and dealing with the heavy rains.

India Pakyong airport. Photo: CNN

The runway is 1.7kilometre long and 30 metres wide built on 80.38 embankments and is surrounded by deep valleys.

The real attraction to this airport is the spectacular Himalayan scenery.

The flights will make it easier to travel to the region. Before the facility was opened, the closest airport to Sikkim’s state capital of Gangtok Bagdogra in west Bengal was five hours drive.
The new Pakyong Airport is only 30 kilometers south of Gangtok.

According to Modi, “Once the airport becomes operational, the number of tourists is going to go up. The new airport will also provide employment for the youth and in turn, hotels, guest houses, restaurants, tour guides and so on.”