The Sikkim government will replace its 23-seater MI-172 helicopter service with a smaller 10-seater aircraft due to high costs, poor passenger turnout, and limited landing options. The new service is expected to launch by the Dasai season for improved tourism and emergency response.
The Government of Sikkim has decided to discontinue the use of the 23-seater MI-172 helicopter operated by Sky One Airways Pvt Ltd. The service, which began operations on March 6, 2024, was launched with the hope of providing an all-weather aviation solution for tourists and residents traveling between Sikkim and West Bengal. However, the decision to end the service follows a thorough review citing multiple operational and logistical challenges.
The large twin-engine helicopter was brought in to boost tourism and offer emergency transportation in the hilly terrain of Sikkim. But after 14 months of trial, the service has proved unsustainable due to poor passenger turnout, high operational costs, and restricted landing facilities.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation, C.S. Rao, stated that the MI-172 was not compatible with the geographical and meteorological conditions of Sikkim. “The helicopter is larger than what we had anticipated for Sikkim’s requirements. A smaller 10-seater helicopter would be more appropriate and practical, particularly as it would allow easier landings at various locations,” Rao explained.
The MI-172, despite its capacity and features, was unable to land at multiple key locations across the state and was largely limited to the Burtuk helipad. This limitation was particularly exposed during emergency situations like the recent Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) incident, when versatile and nimble aircraft were needed most.
The initial hope was that the helicopter service would attract a steady number of tourists commuting between Siliguri and Bagdogra to Sikkim. However, passenger response was “remarkably poor,” with an average of only six to seven passengers per flight. High ticket prices, unpredictable weather conditions, and unsuitable flight timings deterred both tourists and local travelers, who continued to prefer road transport despite longer travel times.
“The assumption that the helicopter, being an all-weather aircraft, would operate efficiently year-round did not hold true in practice,” said Rao. “It was costly, especially for patient transfers. The helicopter was rarely full during its period of service, and had we continued with no business, the State would have had to bear additional financial burden.”
The cost implications have also played a significant role in the government’s decision. According to Rao, the annual operational cost of the MI-172 service was estimated at around ₹20 crore. The State government has already paid ₹7 crore in the last financial year and ₹10 crore in the current fiscal year to Sky One Airways. The remaining amount will be cleared upon submission of the final invoice by the aviation company. However, he emphasized that the decision to discontinue the service was not influenced by any payment issues but was strictly a matter of operational viability and strategic appropriateness.
The State Tourism Development Corporation (STDC), which oversees helicopter services in the region, will now proceed with selecting a more suitable 10-seater aircraft from another aviation agency. The aim is to reduce costs, improve accessibility, and better align with the state’s mountainous terrain and weather conditions. Rao confirmed that the large helicopter service will be formally terminated following a one-month notice period issued to Sky One Airways.
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The Tourism and Civil Aviation Department is hopeful that a smaller helicopter will enable better service delivery across more landing points, especially during emergencies and peak tourist seasons. The new service is expected to become operational by the upcoming Dasai festival, aligning with the next major tourism cycle.
With the revised plan, Sikkim aims to enhance regional connectivity and emergency preparedness without incurring unsustainable costs. The government believes this strategic shift will contribute to a more efficient and financially prudent aviation service tailored to the state’s specific needs.
