Siliguri: A high-level meeting of experts was held on Tuesday to discuss technical issues related to flights from Pakyong, the airport that has come up in Sikkim.

"It was an important technical discussion, usually held before flights are introduced at any airport. Officials from the air traffic controls of Guwahati, Calcutta, Pakyong and those from Bagdogra, run by the Indian Air Force, were present at the meeting," said Rakesh Sahay, the airport director of Bagdogra where the meeting was held.

Sources said the meeting marked and discussed the flight paths to Pakyong. "Pawan Hans helicopters and choppers of the Indian Army follow the same route to Sikkim from here. To ensure smooth movement between Pakyong and other destinations, it is necessary to draw up technical details," said a source.

Also, the territories of various ATCs were marked at the meet. "For example, if a flight takes off from Calcutta to Pakyong, there has to be a clear territory division, such as the areas that will come under Calcutta ATC, followed by the ATCs of Bagdogra and Pakyong. These are basic technical issues which need to be resolved among the ATCs," added the source.

The sole airport of Sikkim is ready with infrastructure. Last month, SpiceJet, that will introduce flights between Calcutta and Guwahati via Pakyong, had landed its first flight at the airport.

During the meeting, the representatives also signed a Letter of Agreement (LoA), containing all technical information related to movement of flights.

"The LoA will be effective from May 1. This means, any flight or chopper moving through this route will follow the technical details as per the agreement," said Sahay.

AAI sources said it is an important development.

"Representatives of SpiceJet were also present at the meeting and have been provided with a copy of the LoA. They have been asked to communicate with their technical experts and get back to us with their observation," the source said.

The date when regular flight services would be introduced in Pakyong, however, is yet to be announced.

Bagdogra security

Additional personnel of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) have started arriving at the Bagdogra airport. "Around 70 personnel will join the existing force and some of them have already arrived here. We expect that by first week of May, the CISF will have the required number of people to guard the airport in shifts. From security point of view, the airport would be ready to operate for 16 hours, that is, from 6am to 10pm," said Sahay, the airport director.

After commissioning of the Instrumental Landing System (ILS) on March 29, AAI has made arrangements for additional security personnel to encourage airline companies to introduce early morning and late evening flights.

"It is up to the airline companies to make decisions in this regard," an official said.