350 airports by 2047: Civil Aviation Minister sets big vision at Donyi Polo Airport inauguration

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu described the inauguration of the new terminal building at Donyi Polo Airport, Hollongi, as a landmark moment for Arunachal Pradesh and for India’s aviation sector.

Calling it a “happy day for civil aviation and for Arunachal Pradesh,” the minister said the project’s completion was made possible “under the guidance of Chief Minister Pema Khandu and with the support of both the state government and the Centre.”

Highlighting the Narendra Modi government’s thrust on air connectivity, Naidu noted that in the last 11 years, the number of airports, aircraft, and passengers in India has doubled, proving aviation’s emergence as a priority sector. He also reiterated the Centre’s long-term vision of building 350 airports by 2047, underscoring the success of the UDAN regional connectivity scheme.

The Donyi Polo Airport, operational since 2022, can now accommodate 800 passengers at a time, a sharp upgrade from its earlier capacity of just 150. Annual passenger handling has leapt to nearly 15 lakh, up from a few lakh.

Air connectivity is also set to expand with IndiGo increasing flights on the Delhi route to daily services from September 17. The airport is already connected to Guwahati, Kolkata, and Tezu, further cementing its role as a gateway to the Northeast.

Naidu underscored the government’s special emphasis on boosting connectivity in the Northeast, noting that airports at Pasighat, Tezu, and Ziro are under development. Plans are also underway to expand regional links with heliports across Arunachal Pradesh.

He further announced that the UDAN scheme has been extended for another decade, with a sharper focus on the Northeast, hilly regions, and aspirational districts.

The inauguration also marked the launch of new passenger-centric facilities, including the UDAN Yatri Café, a traveller library scheme, and the AVASAR programme, which gives self-help groups and women entrepreneurs space to sell local products. A dedicated kids’ store has also been introduced.

“We want airports to reflect the culture of the region and to be more than just transit points,” Naidu said, adding that free Wi-Fi, additional charging stations, and workspaces are being explored.

The inauguration coincided with the Northeastern Ministerial Conference in Itanagar, where the focus was on strengthening Centre-state coordination for regional development.

“The conference is an opportunity to align priorities and ensure faster progress for the Northeast,” Naidu remarked.