Archive · 2 Oct 2026
AAI Studies Three Sikkim Sites for Possible Greenfield Airports
Officials are studying three places in Sikkim to see whether airports could be built there.
The places are Ranka, Martam and Sadam.
A team from the Airports Authority of India is visiting the sites and checking many technical details.
They will look at aviation needs, engineering issues, operations and road or other connections.
The goal is to improve travel to and around Sikkim.
Sikkim already has an airport at Pakyong, but flights are currently unavailable there.
The new study does not mean that any airport has been approved.
More studies, permissions and government clearances would be needed before construction could begin.
The Airports Authority of India has begun a pre-feasibility study at Ranka, Martam and Sadam in Sikkim.
A six-member multidisciplinary team is assessing technical, operational, aviation and engineering factors.
The proposed airports aim to strengthen air connectivity and regional access in the Himalayan state.
The exercise is being conducted under the Greenfield Airports Policy, 2008, and provisions for northeastern states.
Sikkim officials stressed that the study is preliminary and does not approve airport construction.
- Who
- The Airports Authority of India, with Sikkim government officials, is conducting the assessment; the initiative involves Prem Singh Tamang and Jyotiraditya Scindia.
- What
- A pre-feasibility study is examining whether greenfield airports could be established at three Sikkim locations.
- When
- The study is currently under way; the articles do not provide a specific start date.
- Where
- At Ranka and Martam in east Sikkim and Sadam in Namchi district of south Sikkim.
- Why
- The proposed airports are intended to strengthen air connectivity and improve regional accessibility.
Study Supports Possible Expansion
Officials Stress No Approval Yet
Meaning of the exercise
Study Supports Possible Expansion
The Airports Authority of India is conducting site-level inspections to assess three locations for possible greenfield airports and improve Sikkim's air connectivity.
Officials Stress No Approval Yet
The Sikkim government says the exercise is only a preliminary technical assessment and does not authorize airport construction.
Next steps
Study Supports Possible Expansion
The study could provide technical inputs for further consideration of the proposals under applicable airport policies.
Officials Stress No Approval Yet
Any development decision remains subject to study findings, approvals, clearances, statutory requirements and prescribed procedures.
- Proposed sites
- Ranka, Martam and Sadam
- Study team
- A six-member multidisciplinary technical team from the Airports Authority of India
- Policy framework
- Greenfield Airports Policy, 2008, with provisions applicable to northeastern states
- Existing airport
- Sikkim's sole airport is at Pakyong, where flight services are currently unavailable
- Ranka location
- A scenic village about 20 kilometres from Gangtok
- Sadam location
- About 75 kilometres from Gangtok, in Namchi district, at more than 5,000 feet elevation
- Current status
- The exercise is an initial technical assessment and is not approval for construction or development