Agartala, Feb 22: Manik Saha has reviewed plans to restart flight operations at the long-defunct Kailashahar airport in Unakoti district, underlining its strategic importance due to its proximity to the Bangladesh border.
Saha chaired a meeting with officials of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to address pending issues and explore measures for reviving the airport. The facility, located around 10 kilometres from the international border, had supported operations during the 1971 Indo-Pak war but has remained non-operational for several years.
In a social media post, the Chief Minister stated that he had presided over a review meeting with AAI officials to resume flight services from Kailashahar airport following its revival. He noted that detailed discussions were held on unresolved matters and the necessary initiatives required to restart operations.
The renewed push came after AAI officials met Tripura Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury on Friday. Chowdhury told reporters that discussions focused on steps to operationalise the airport, adding that the Centre is keen on reviving it given its strategic location. However, he pointed out that land acquisition and associated funding remain key challenges. He said a follow-up meeting with the Chief Minister would help finalise a comprehensive plan to resolve land-related issues.
At present, Tripura depends solely on Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport in Agartala for commercial flight operations. The airport is the second-busiest in the Northeast after Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati. Officials believe that reviving Kailashahar airport could significantly enhance regional connectivity while strengthening strategic and security preparedness in the border district.
