Agartala: The Airport Authority of India (AAI) has initiated a process to revive the now-defunct Kailashahar airport in Tripura’s Unakoti district after a hiatus of 32 years.
In response to a request from the state government for the revival of the facility, Airport Authority of India (AAI), Northeast, Regional Executive Director M Raju Krishore, accompanied by MBB Airport (Agartala) Director K C Meena, on Monday visited Kailashahar airport to take stock of the ground situation.
“Following the state government’s request and the Civil Aviation Ministry’s instruction, AAI, Northeast, regional executive director visited Kailashahar airport on Monday to assess the infrastructure, land availability and visibility condition,” KC Meena said.
The Kailashahar airport, strategically located in Unakoti district, has remained defunct for over 30 years.
AAI’s recent inspection sparks hope for enhanced connectivity, economic growth, and tourism in North Tripura and Assam.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) made the airport’s restoration a key promise during its election campaign.
Kailashahar Airport in Tripura is one of the oldest airports in the State. It was built in 1950.
The airport played a key role during the India-Pakistan war in 1971 as the Indian Air Force carried out missions and surveillance, another official said.
“We have given two options for land to the state government before pushing the revival plan of the airport. Currently, the airport has a runway of only 1000 metres, which is not feasible even for operating an ATR. The small-sized plane, which carries 16 or 19 passengers, will not be made available all the time, and safety is also a concern,” he said.
Meena said the AAI has “sought land, measuring either 75 acres or 205 acres” to develop the defunct airport, and will prepare a revival plan on the availability of land arranged by the state”.
ALSO READ: Centre approves new train service on Agartala-Guwahati route
Earlier, senior Congress MLA Birajit Sinha strongly demanded the revival of the airport at the earliest.
The AAI team’s visit has ignited excitement among residents of North Tripura and nearby Cachar district in Assam, who have long advocated for the airport’s revival.
