by Bhupen Goswami 

GUWAHATI : The much awaited direct air connectivity to one of the eastern most location of the country, Tezu in Arunachal Pradesh started today with the maiden flight of FLybig airlines from Guwahati that landed on 19.08.2021 Under the ambitious Regional Connectivity Scheme UDAN- ‘UdeDeshKaAamNaagrik’ of Govt. of India, the first flight from LokpriyaGopinathBordoloi International Airport, Guwahati took off for Tezu Airport, an airport developed, managed and operated by Airports Authority of India.

The flagging off function was attended by Shri PemaKhandu, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Arunachal Pradesh (through Video Link); Shri NakapNalo, Aviation and Tourism Minister, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh; Shri Tapir, Hon’ble MP, LokSabha; Shri Ravi Kant, Regional executive director (RED), Airports Authority of India, NER and other dignitaries at Tezu. Addressing the function Shri Ravi Kant, RED, AAI extended his sincere thanks to the State Government for the continuous support even during the odd hours and to the airline for starting the flight services under RCS-UDAN programme where seats are available on affordable rates for shorter distance. Shri Ravi Kant mentioned that AAI has always been pivotal in connecting remote and small places through air transportationin the country and said that the connectivity to this location will boost tourism and trade in the North East region.

This is one of the most beautiful places in India and with regular flights connecting Guwahati and then to Kolkata, will attract tourists from other parts of the country. Some historical and religious places are also centre of interest for many people which will definitely appeal travelers to come to Tezu, he added. The ATR-72 type aircraft by M/s. FlyBig airline was greeted with the traditional water canon salute by the Tezu Airport fire team. It will operate on Guwahati- Tezu- Guwahati route on every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

This is another success story of RCS –UDAN route in North East India after the airline won bids to operate flights on several routes in the region including Shillong, Silchar, Imphal, Dibrugarh, Agartala, Rupsi and Guwahati. Tezu airport is being redeveloped by Airports Authority of India which includes construction of Terminal building and associated work. The terminal building will be spread across 4200 sq.m, the apron and runway extension is also in the plan with terminal building and new Air Traffic Control Tower, all at an estimated cost of Rs.140 Cr. During the peak hour, about 200 passenger can be handled in the new building. Parking of ATR-72 type aircrafts is also provisioned in the project. Extension work is in progress at Tezu Airport which is to be completed by next year in different phases.