Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has told Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu that three new airports will be built in the state: one in Dirang, West Kameng, a second in Anini, Dibang Valley, and a third in Upper Subansiri district.
Land purchase is now underway, according to Khandu, and once completed, they will be turned over to the ministry free of charge.
Flight service started by the Airline from the state
On Thursday, Khandu launched the first Flybig Airlines aircraft from Tezu airstrip in Lohit district to Guwahati.
This is the state’s second flight service launched by the airline. On May 24, this year, the first service between Pasighat and Guwahati began.
Inaugural flight ceremony
Khandu, who was virtually present at the inaugural flight event from Itanagar, said it is yet another feather in the crown of the region’s aviation sector, which he claims received little attention from the central government before Modi took office.
“Operationalization of the Tezu airport will boost connectivity of Eastern Arunachal that will facilitate easy and fast accessibility to economical activities, business, and health services to the people,” Khandu said.
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Significance of the flight service
As Arunachal Pradesh shares international boundaries with three nations – Bhutan, Tibet, and Myanmar – Khandu believes that the launch of airline service from Tezu is significant.
“A large chunk of the Indian Army and paramilitary personnel are serving in different parts of the state. Now they will also have a faster travel option to and from home,” he said.
Fare of the flights
On the occasion, the Chief Minister declared that till December 31, 2021, all army and paramilitary personnel using Flybig flights from Tezu and Pasighat will pay only Rs 75 (one way) as a fare. The airline operator made the gesture in honor of India’s 75th anniversary of independence.
Khandu expressed his gratitude
He expressed his gratitude for the honorable gesture to Flybig founder and Managing Director Capt Sanjay Mandvi, who was also present. He described it as “appropriate respect and appreciation” for armed forces personnel’s contributions to the country.
Khandu also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for designing and implementing the UDAN scheme, which has allowed the state to have better air connectivity.
He also asked Mandavia to look into the possibility of expanding comparable services to the remainder of the state’s ALGs.
Under the UDAN scheme of the central government, Flybig, which currently operates ATR 72 aircraft with a seating capacity of 72 passengers, has received authorization to begin flights between Guwahati and Pasighat, Pasighat-Shillong, Guwahati-Tezu, and Tezu-Imphal.
At least 30 people are said to have boarded the day’s first aircraft from Tezu to Guwahati.
