The First Greenfield Airport of Arunachal Pradesh and the first for State Capital Itanagar, the Donyi Polo Airport, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 19th November, 2022, has operationalised many new routes and been witnessing steady growth in the passenger footfall. The average daily footfall at the airport counts to 280 passengers (Jan 2023 data) and it operates six flight movement daily except Wednesday.
The first commercial flight at the airport, Indigo airlines with A-320 type of aircraft, began its services on Itanagar- Kolkata sector from 28th November, 2022 a landmark beginning in the civil aviation sector of Arunachal Pradesh. The flight connecting Kolkata and Mumbai from Itanagar was inaugurated by Hon’ble Union Minister of Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya M. Scindia via Video link which was joined by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and other State Government Dignitaries.
Similarly, other regional airlines also started flights from Itanagar. The much-awaited air connectivity in between Itanagar- Guwahati was started by Flybig airlines. The direct connectivity between two state capitals of North Eastern States started from 15th January, 2023 under Regional Connectivity Scheme- UDAN, the GoI’s flagship program, promoting regional air connectivity by making flying affordable for the common citizen. Under UDAN scheme, the fare for one-hour journey of approx. 500km on a fixed wing aircraft or for a 30-minute journey on a helicopter is Rs. 2500/-, applicable on 50% of the flight capacity (RCS Seats).
Flybig with commencement of Itanagar – Guwahati flight added Itanagar as 10th destination on its network and third in Arunachal Pradesh, including Pasighat and Tezu. Itanagar- Guwahati flight was inaugurated by Dharmendra, Chief Secretary, Arunachal Pradesh in presence of Sh. Satish Golchha, DGP, Itanagar; Sh. Sachin Rana, Deputy Commissioner, Papum Pare District and officials of AAI.
The airport has also strengthened the connectivity within Arunachal Pradesh which has four operational airports i.e. Itanagar, Pasighat, Ziro and Tezu. Alliance Air, with its Dornier 228 type aircraft started intra-state connectivity from Donyi Polo Airport, Itanagar from 29th November 2022 with its base at Dibrugarh. It operates Itanagar- Ziro flight every Tuesday and Saturday. Similarly, Itanagar- Pasighat flight fly every Thursday and Sunday. The above flights arrive from Dibrugarh every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
The existing interim passenger terminal building of the Donyi Polo Airport is spread over an area of 2000 sqm. with canopy of 1500 Sqm, which is fully air conditioned. The terminal has child care room and is equipped with required provisions for differently-abled people ‘Divyang jan’.
This terminal building is GRIHA-IV compliant energy efficient with provision of balanced use of glazing & wall panelling; insulated roof, glazing and wall panels; LED lights in all areas and energy efficient motor/drives for AHUs, AC compressors, conveyors, pumps etc. Sewage treatment plant will allow use of treated water for horticulture and will not pollute soil or water bodies. Solar plant of 125 KWp is being installed to use renewable energy and will be completed by the end of March 2023.
Donyi Polo Airport, is located in the south western part of Arunachal Pradesh and shares the state border of Assam. The airport serves a population of over 20 lakhs in several adjoining districts like Kurung Kumey, Kradadi, Lower Subansiri, East Kameng, Pakke Kessang and Kamle in Arunachal Pradesh and Vishwanath and Lakhimpur in Assam.