Assam Government Partners with AAI for New Airport Projects

Strengthening Assam's Aviation Sector

Guwahati, Feb 28: To enhance its aviation infrastructure, the Assam Government has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to initiate pre-feasibility studies for five proposed greenfield airports across the state.

The proposed sites include Manas, Umrangso, Charaideo, Diphu, and Majuli.

The agreement was formalized on Friday by Akashdeep, the commissioner and secretary of the State Transport department, alongside AAI chairman Vipin Kumar.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized the importance of these locations for tourism, economic development, and national security.

“Our goal is to transform Guwahati into a regional connectivity hub. The annual air traffic from Guwahati airport has surged past 1.7 million and is expected to grow further. Dibrugarh has also seen an increase in air traffic. We are optimistic about completing the pre-feasibility studies at these five sites soon,” he stated, adding that approval has been granted for a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Guwahati airport.

He also requested the AAI to upgrade Rupsi to a fully operational airport.

Union Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha noted that Assam has experienced consistent growth in both passenger and cargo traffic.

“The feasibility studies will ensure that each airport we plan is viable, sustainable, and ready for the future. Depending on the results of these studies, the state can seek site clearance and move forward,” he explained.

Currently, Assam has seven operational airports, and the Doloo airport has received approval from the Civil Aviation Ministry steering committee, pending PIB and Union Cabinet approvals.