Archive · 1 Dec 2025
Sikkim Cuts Helicopter Fare for Gangtok-Bagdogra Route
The Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation has lowered the price for helicopter trips between Gangtok and Bagdogra.
The new one-way price is ₹3,100, which is ₹1,400 cheaper than before.
This change is expected to attract more tourists.
The helicopter can carry 20 people and takes 45 minutes to fly one way.
There are also new rules for luggage.
The price for medical flights has also been reduced.
People who work in tourism are happy about this change because it will help more tourists visit Sikkim, especially for luxury trips.
However, they also want better roads to North Sikkim, which was damaged by a flood last year.
Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation reduced helicopter fare for Gangtok–Bagdogra route to ₹3,100 from ₹4,500.
The new fare aims to encourage more tourists and support premium tourism.
The MI 172 helicopter has a 20-seater capacity and operates two round flights daily.
Revised baggage rules: 7kg free, ₹50/kg for 8-15kg, ₹500/kg for >15kg.
Medical flight fare reduced to ₹77,500; joyride and charter flight rates remain unchanged.
- Who
- Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation Ltd (STDC)
- What
- Reduced helicopter fare for Gangtok–Bagdogra route
- When
- Immediate effect (announced Friday)
- Where
- Sikkim, India
- Why
- To encourage more tourists and support premium tourism
- Route
- Gangtok–Bagdogra
- Operator
- Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation Ltd (STDC)
- New Fare
- ₹3,100 (one-way)
- Old Fare
- ₹4,500 (one-way)
- Helicopter Model
- MI 172
- Capacity
- 20 passengers
- Flight Duration
- 45 minutes (one-way)
- Baggage Allowance
- 7kg free, ₹50/kg for 8-15kg, ₹500/kg for >15kg
- Medical Flight Fare
- ₹77,500 (revised)
- Joyride Cost
- ₹3,000 per person (20 minutes)
- Charter Flight Cost
- ₹6,000 per minute