GUWAHATI: The Arunachal government has requested the Centre to increase air connectivity to improve connectivity, tourism, and commerce in the state.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu requested the Union Civil Aviation Ministry to increase flight connectivity to and from the Donyi Polo Airport in Itanagar.
In a letter on Tuesday addressed to Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Khandu said that as of now, one flight each is being operated to and from the Donyi Polo Airport to Kolkata (6 times a week) and New Delhi (4 times a week).
Khandu said that these flights consistently operate at full capacity, leading to a hike in travel fares and unavailability of tickets for passengers with urgent travel needs in case of medical and other emergencies.
“The lack of availability of daily flights creates problems for visitors and tourists, often compelling them to explore alternative travel methods,” he said.
Khandu also highlighted the discontinuation of flight services between Itanagar and Guwahati, operated by FlyBig under the UDAN scheme, since November 2023.
He appealed to the Union Minister to increase flight services from Itanagar to New Delhi and Kolkata, including an additional morning departure from Itanagar to New Delhi, daily operations of flights from Itanagar to New Delhi as well as direct flight connectivity to other major metro cities such as Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai and Hyderabad.
He also requested the union minister for the continuation of flight services between Itanagar and Guwahati.
