Dibrugarh Press Club Advocates for Evening Flights at Local Airport

Dibrugarh Press Club's Appeal for Enhanced Air Connectivity

Dibrugarh, June 6: The Dibrugarh Press Club (DPC) has recently presented a memorandum to Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, via Assam's Chief Minister, urging the initiation of regular evening flights from Dibrugarh airport, as per a release from the DPC.

In their memorandum, the Press Club expressed appreciation for the Civil Aviation Ministry's previous efforts to extend the airport's runway, which has significantly improved the region's air connectivity. They also acknowledged the government's favorable response to the longstanding request to rename the airport in honor of the cultural figure Dr. Bhupen Hazarika.

Emphasizing Dibrugarh's increasing industrial and strategic significance in Upper Assam and the Northeast, the Press Club highlighted that the lack of scheduled evening flights poses a significant barrier to development and mobility. The memorandum noted, “Despite the installation of night landing facilities in 2010 and the successful evening landing of Jet Airways flight 9W-7079 in 2014, regular evening services have yet to commence.”

Furthermore, the Press Club pointed out that although Dibrugarh airport is equipped with advanced night navigation systems, these facilities are underutilized. The absence of evening flights creates considerable inconvenience for business travelers, patients, students, tourists, and professionals, many of whom are compelled to stay overnight due to the lack of onward connections.

Describing the situation as a public necessity and crucial for regional development, the Press Club earnestly requested the government's immediate action to establish regular scheduled evening flights. They stated, “This initiative will not only improve connectivity but also enhance tourism, business, education, and healthcare access throughout Upper Assam and surrounding regions.”

The memorandum was signed by Manash Jyoti Dutta (president), Anil Kumar Poddar (vice president), and Ripunjoy Das (general secretary) of the Dibrugarh Press Club. Copies were also forwarded to State Cabinet Minister Prasanta Phukan, the airport director of Dibrugarh airport, and the district commissioner of Dibrugarh for their information and necessary action. The submission included a copy of a previous memorandum dated December 14, 2023.

By

Staff Correspondent