Guwahati, Feb 28: The Assam government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to conduct pre-feasibility studies for the development of five greenfield airports across the state. The agreement was formalised in the presence of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
The proposed airports are planned at Manas National Park, Umrangshu, Majuli, Diphu and Charaideo. At present, Assam has seven operational airports, including Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, along with facilities in Jorhat, Tezpur, Dibrugarh, Silchar, Lakhimpur and Rupsi.
Sarma expressed appreciation to AAI for undertaking the pre-feasibility studies at the identified locations. He noted that a greenfield airport near Manas would address strategic and security considerations while also boosting wildlife tourism in the region. He further stated that the proposed airports at Majuli, Umrangshu, Diphu and Charaideo are expected to improve regional connectivity and increase tourist footfall, thereby supporting local economic growth.
The Chief Minister observed that the initiative could serve as a model for other states. He also urged AAI to consider upgrading Rupsi Airport into a full-fledged facility, citing its strategic proximity to the Siliguri Corridor, often referred to as the Chicken’s Neck. Additionally, he requested steps to enhance international flight connectivity from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport.
According to Sarma, the development of these greenfield airports and the commencement of flight operations from the proposed locations are likely to significantly strengthen regional connectivity, promote tourism, industry and commerce, and reinforce Assam’s position as a gateway to the Northeast and Southeast Asia.
