New Terminal at Donyi Polo Airport Boosts Arunachal Air Connectivity

Post by : Armust Desk

Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu said that civil aviation has been one of the most important sectors for the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the last 11 years, the number of airports, aircraft, and passengers in India has doubled. He highlighted that the government is focusing on improving connectivity in the northeast, where air travel has been limited so far.

The minister inaugurated the new terminal building at Donyi Polo Airport in Hollongi, Papum Pare district, Arunachal Pradesh. He called it a “happy day for the people of the state” as the new terminal began operations, marking a new era in civil aviation for Arunachal Pradesh and the northeast.

Project Completion and Support

The new terminal project had been pending for some time but was completed under the guidance of Chief Minister Pema Khandu, with support from both the state and Central governments. Minister Naidu also said that discussions are ongoing to increase air connectivity further, including plans for heliports in the state to improve regional transport.

This effort is part of the extended UDAN scheme, which aims to improve domestic and regional air travel by supporting airlines on routes that were previously considered unviable. The scheme has now been renewed for another 10 years.

Passenger-Friendly Facilities at the Airport

To improve the passenger experience, the government plans to provide free Wi-Fi, more charging stations, and workstations for travelers. Several new passenger-centric initiatives were also launched at Donyi Polo Airport, such as:

• UDAN Yatri Cafe: Offers food and drinks at reasonable prices.

• Flybrary: A library initiative where passengers can pick up and drop books at different airports, including books on Arunachal’s culture and tribes.

• AVASAR Initiative: Provides a platform for self-help and women’s groups to sell their products at the airport.

• Kids’ Store: A dedicated space for children traveling through the airport.

These steps are part of a broader plan to improve overall passenger experience while promoting local culture and businesses.

Airport Capacity and Connectivity Improvements

Holongi Airport, which began operations in 2022, is one of several airports being developed in Arunachal Pradesh. Others include Pasighat, Tezu, and Ziro. The new terminal at Donyi Polo Airport has a pre-cover capacity of 800 passengers and can handle up to 15 lakh travelers annually, a significant increase from the previous temporary building, which could only accommodate 150 passengers.

To boost connectivity, the frequency of flights to Delhi will increase from four days a week to seven days a week starting September 17. Daily flights operated by IndiGo will connect Itanagar to major hubs. Currently, Donyi Polo Airport also connects passengers to Guwahati, Kolkata, and Tezu.

Officials and Cultural Features

The inauguration was attended by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, state Urban Affairs, Land Management, and Civil Aviation Minister Balo Raja, Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta, and Airports Authority of India Chairman Vipin Kumar.

Chief Minister Khandu shared that the new terminal offers more than just a travel gateway. It now includes:

• Cafes for rest and refreshments.

• Retail spaces highlighting local artisans’ creativity.

• A children’s play area.

• Walls adorned with paintings reflecting Arunachal’s tribal culture.

The Flybrary initiative allows travelers to pick a book for reading and return it later, providing a chance to learn more about the state’s tribes and culture while traveling.

Strengthening Northeastern Air Connectivity

The inauguration, along with the Northeastern Ministerial Conference held in Itanagar, highlights the efforts of the Central government and northeastern states to coordinate development in the region. The extended UDAN scheme will continue to focus on connecting hilly regions, aspirational districts, and all northeastern states.

The government’s vision is clear: improve infrastructure, strengthen regional links, enhance passenger facilities, and make air travel in Arunachal Pradesh convenient and comfortable. The new Donyi Polo terminal is a major step toward achieving that goal.

The new terminal at Donyi Polo Airport in Arunachal Pradesh improves air connectivity, expands passenger capacity, and offers modern facilities, while promoting regional culture and local businesses. The extended UDAN scheme will further strengthen air travel links in the northeast over the next decade.

Donyi Polo Airport, Arunachal Pradesh, new terminal, UDAN scheme