In a significant step to make air travel between Sikkim and West Bengal more accessible, the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (STDC) has revised the fare for the Gangtok–Bagdogra–Gangtok helicopter service. The one-way ticket price has been reduced from ₹4,500 to ₹3,100, with the new rates coming into effect immediately following government approval.
Along with the fare cut, STDC has also introduced a new baggage policy for passengers. Under the updated rules, travellers will be allowed to carry one piece of hand baggage up to 7 kg free of charge. Baggage weighing between 8 kg and 15 kg will incur an additional fee of ₹50 per kg, while items weighing more than 15 kg will attract a higher charge of ₹500 per kg, depending on the availability of cargo space.
The corporation has clarified that the pricing for joyride flights in Gangtok and chartered helicopter services will remain unchanged. The fare for medical evacuation flights has been fixed at ₹77,500, which is the same as before.
To ensure travellers are well informed about the revised fares and baggage rules, all operational units have been directed to carry out extensive public awareness measures. Passengers seeking more details can contact the General Manager’s Office, or visit the Travel Division at Burtuk Heliport and the Helicopter Service Counter at Bagdogra.
The latest revision is expected to boost connectivity and provide a more affordable travel option, especially for frequent flyers between Gangtok and Bagdogra.