Arunachal gets direct flight from Itanagar to New Delhi

On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, Arunachal Pradesh witnessed a significant step forward in enhancing air connectivity, thanks to the continuous efforts of Chief Minister Pema Khandu. The state celebrated the inaugural flight of the first-ever direct route between Donyi Polo Airport in Itanagar and the national capital, New Delhi.

The introduction of this direct flight route is poised to revolutionize travel between Itanagar and Delhi, eliminating the need for passengers to make connecting flights via Kolkata and streamlining the journey for both business and leisure travelers.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who has been a driving force behind improving air connectivity in Arunachal Pradesh, expressed his delight at the development. He noted that the state has seen substantial progress in various sectors, including communication, road infrastructure, railways, digital infrastructure, and now, the aviation sector.

"In the communication sector, Arunachal has received a significant boost in all aspects, and today marks a remarkable milestone as Indigo Airlines launches its direct flight from Itanagar to Delhi," Chief Minister Khandu stated.

The journey towards this achievement has been both challenging and rewarding. At first, there were doubts about the feasibility of operating direct flights to Delhi due to passenger numbers. However, with growing demand and support from the community, the dream of connecting Itanagar directly to the national capital became a reality.

The inaugural flight, 6E 5927, departed from New Delhi at 9:10 AM and touched down at Donyi Polo Airport in Itanagar at 12:00 PM. The return flight, 6E 5928, took off from Itanagar at 12:30 PM and arrived in New Delhi at 3:25 PM.

This initiative by low-cost carrier IndiGo aligns with the airline's commitment to increasing accessibility in the Northeastern region of India. Over the years, IndiGo has made strides in connecting seven out of the eight states in the Northeast, and this new route further strengthens regional accessibility.

Civil Aviation cum Tourism Minister, acknowledging the importance of this direct connectivity, emphasized its potential to enhance domestic connectivity and boost economic development. The improved accessibility is expected to drive growth in the region, fostering employment opportunities, trade, tourism, and overall economic development.

The enhanced accessibility to Itanagar is also anticipated to boost tourism in the region. Ita Fort, Jawaharlal Nehru Museum, Namdapha National Park, and Tawang are among the attractions that will benefit from increased tourist footfall.

Tamme Phassang, Mayor of Itanagar Municipal Corporation, expressed gratitude toward Indigo Airlines for this significant development. He urged citizens to make the most of this newfound convenience for tourism, medical emergencies, and business endeavors. Mayor Phassang also seized the opportunity to debunk any unfounded claims on Arunachal Pradesh, emphasizing its distinct historical and cultural ties.