ITANAGAR: The Donyi Polo Airport in Hollongi, Arunachal Pradesh, is on the brink of a major milestone as it gears up to commence night operations following the issuance of an all-weather license by the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Chief Minister Pema Khandu shared the exciting news on social media, heralding a significant leap towards ensuring seamless air connectivity to the northeastern state.
“So happy to share a significant milestone for Arunachal Pradesh! Donyi Polo Airport has been granted an all-weather license, unlocking the possibility for night landings,” wrote Chief Minister Khandu, sharing the official letter from the DGCA.
The announcement comes as a beacon of progress for the Donyi Polo Airport, the first greenfield airport in Arunachal Pradesh.
Chief Minister Khandu highlighted that the all-weather license is a significant stride towards fostering night landings, further enhancing air connectivity in the region.
The modern airport terminal not only promotes energy efficiency but also stresses on renewable energy sources and resource recycling, according to officials.
The development of the airport in Itanagar has not only strengthened connectivity but has also acted as a catalyst for trade and tourism growth, providing a boost to economic development in Arunachal Pradesh.
Named after the traditional reverence for the sun (Donyi) and the moon (Polo), the airport spans over 690 acres and has been developed at a cost exceeding Rs 640 crore.
Equipped with a 2,300-meter runway, the Donyi Polo Airport is well-suited for all-weather operations.
The aviation landscape in the Northeast is witnessing a transformation, with flights taking off from several airports in five Northeastern states, including Mizoram, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Arunachal, and Nagaland, after 75 years.
Aircraft movements in the region have surged by 113% since 2014, indicating a growing demand for air travel and connectivity in the Northeast.
