Exciting developments at Arunachal Pradesh’s Donyi Polo Airport! The new terminal promises to boost air travel and connect the northeastern state even better.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu recently visited Itanagar and announced big plans for the region’s airports. He highlighted that civil aviation has grown a lot under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, with the number of airports, aircraft, and passengers doubling in the last 11 years.
Naidu officially opened the brand-new terminal at Donyi Polo Airport in Hollongi, Arunachal Pradesh’s Papum Pare district. He called it a ‘happy day’ for the state, as the new building now handles more passengers and offers a better travel experience. The project came after delays but was finally completed with the support of the Arunachal Pradesh government and the Centre, under the leadership of Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
This new terminal is a game-changer for the region’s civil aviation! It can handle up to 15 lakh travelers annually, a huge jump from the old capacity of just 150 passengers. It also features facilities like free Wi-Fi, more charging stations, and comfortable workspaces for passengers. The terminal can hold 800 passengers at once, making travel smoother and more comfortable.
The government is also working on increasing flight connections. Starting September 17, the flight frequency to Delhi will rise from four to seven flights a week, operated by IndiGo. This boost will make it easier for people to fly to and from Arunachal Pradesh, with direct links to major cities like Guwahati, Kolkata, and Tezu.
In addition to the new terminal, plans are underway to develop more regional airports and heliports in the state. This is part of the extended UDAN scheme, which aims to improve regional and rural connectivity through affordable flights. Alongside infrastructure, there are plans to provide free Wi-Fi on domestic and international flights and to set up more passenger-friendly amenities.
The event also featured the Northeastern Ministerial Conference, emphasizing stronger coordination between Delhi and northeastern states to boost development. The government’s focus is now on making air travel more accessible to remote areas, hill districts, and underserved regions of the Northeast.
Several new passenger-friendly initiatives were launched alongside the airport’s upgrade. These include the UDAN Yatri Cafe, offering budget-friendly food; a library where travelers can borrow and return books, including titles about Arunachal’s tribes and culture; a platform called AVASAR that helps women and local craftsmen sell their products at the airport; and a new kids’ store to entertain families.
Arunachal’s airports, including Holongi (which began operations in 2022), Pasighat, Tezu, and Ziro, are all part of the government’s plan to improve travel facilities and boost tourism.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu shared his excitement on social media, saying the new terminal isn’t just a gateway for travel but also a place where visitors can enjoy cafes, explore local crafts, and learn about Arunachal’s rich tribal heritage through murals and exhibits. The “Flybrary” initiative – a book-sharing program – allows travelers to enjoy reading about Arunachal’s culture and leave with a piece of the land in their hearts.
Overall, the upgraded Donyi Polo Airport marks a big step forward for Arunachal Pradesh, promising faster, more comfortable travel and better connectivity for residents and visitors alike.
