The Sikkim government has decided to phase out its 23-seater MI-172 helicopter and replace it with a smaller 10-seater aircraft, citing poor passenger response, high operational costs, and limited helipad access as key reasons behind the move. C.S. Rao, Additional Chief Secretary of the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, confirmed the decision, noting that the large helicopter, introduced in March 2024, failed to attract the expected number of passengers even on the busy Gangtok–Bagdogra route.
“We often had only 11 or 12 passengers, sometimes as low as 5 on return trips. It was not sustainable,” Rao said. Despite being promoted as an all-weather aircraft, the MI-172 faced frequent cancellations due to minor weather disruptions. Moreover, its large size made it incompatible with most of Sikkim’s 11 helipads.
The government is now negotiating with new aviation agencies to introduce a 10-seater helicopter that is more suitable for the state’s terrain and conditions. The new service is expected to launch by Dussehra. “We are being cautious this time,” Rao added, stressing the focus on availability, safety, and service quality.
