Assam: Flights from Rupsi to Kolkata resume today; Minister Urkhao Gwra Brahma inaugurates service

Assam Cabinet Minister, Urkhao Gwra Brahma on October 17 officially inaugurated the resumption of flight operations from Rupsi Airport today. The event was marked by the traditional lighting of a lamp, symbolizing new beginnings for the region's connectivity.

Starting today, flights will operate three days a week—Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—connecting Guwahati and Kolkata via Rupsi. According to Sandeep Patil, the officer in charge of Rupsi Airport, a private airline, Alliance Air, will handle these operations under the central government's UDAN scheme, with plans to extend service to five days a week later this month.

Passenger flight services originally began on March 7, 2021, following a three-year contract with the airline "Fly Big," which initially offered three weekly flights using a 72-seater aircraft. Due to rising demand, this frequency was increased to six days a week. However, all operations were abruptly suspended on November 7, 2023, by "Fly Big," leaving travelers in a lurch.

Rupsi Airport, a recent development costing nearly ₹100 crore, was constructed under the UDAN-2 and UDAN-4 schemes, aimed at enhancing regional air connectivity. The resumption of flights has brought relief and joy to local residents, who had long awaited the return of this vital service.