North East India is a region known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and diverse communities. If you’re planning to explore this part of the country, you might wonder how accessible it is by air. Airports play a crucial role in connecting the North East to the rest of India and beyond. Understanding how many airports are in North East India helps you plan your travel better and appreciate the region’s growing infrastructure.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the number of airports in North East India, their locations, and their importance. Whether you’re a traveler, a student, or just curious, you’ll find useful information to navigate this beautiful region with ease.
How Many Airports Are There in North East India?
North East India consists of eight states: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. Together, these states have several airports that serve domestic and limited international flights.
Currently, there are nine operational airports in North East India. These airports vary in size and capacity, ranging from major international airports to smaller domestic airstrips.
Here’s a quick list of the airports:
- Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati (Assam)
- Dibrugarh Airport (Assam)
- Jorhat Airport (Assam)
- Tezpur Airport (Assam)
- Imphal Airport (Manipur)
- Agartala Airport (Tripura)
- Lengpui Airport (Mizoram)
- Dimapur Airport (Nagaland)
- Pasighat Airport (Arunachal Pradesh)
Each airport serves a unique role in connecting the region internally and with the rest of India.
Major Airports in North East India
Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati
This is the largest and busiest airport in North East India. Located in Assam’s capital, Guwahati, it acts as the main gateway to the region.
- Handles both domestic and international flights.
- Connects to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore.
- Has direct flights to international destinations such as Bangkok and Paro (Bhutan).
- Equipped with modern facilities and cargo services.
This airport is crucial for tourism, business, and government travel in the North East.
Imphal Airport, Manipur
Imphal Airport is the primary airport for Manipur and one of the busiest in the region.
- Serves domestic flights connecting Imphal with cities like Kolkata, Guwahati, and Delhi.
- Recently upgraded to handle larger aircraft.
- Plays a vital role in boosting tourism and trade in Manipur.
Agartala Airport, Tripura
Agartala Airport is the main airport in Tripura and has seen significant development.
- Offers domestic flights to major Indian cities.
- Has started limited international connectivity with flights to Bangladesh.
- Supports the state’s growing tourism and business sectors.
Smaller and Regional Airports
Dibrugarh, Jorhat, and Tezpur Airports (Assam)
These airports mainly serve domestic flights and connect smaller towns in Assam with larger cities.
- Dibrugarh Airport is important for the oil and tea industries.
- Jorhat Airport supports tourism and local travel.
- Tezpur Airport is used for both civilian and military purposes.
Lengpui Airport, Mizoram
Lengpui Airport is the only airport in Mizoram and connects the state with Guwahati and Kolkata.
- Known for its scenic approach surrounded by hills.
- Supports Mizoram’s tourism and trade.
Dimapur Airport, Nagaland
Dimapur Airport is Nagaland’s only airport.
- Connects Nagaland with Guwahati and Kolkata.
- Plays a key role in the state’s connectivity and development.
Pasighat Airport, Arunachal Pradesh
Pasighat Airport is a newer addition to the region’s aviation network.
- Primarily serves domestic flights.
- Enhances connectivity in Arunachal Pradesh, a state with challenging terrain.
- Supports tourism and strategic military operations.
Importance of Airports in North East India
Airports in North East India are more than just travel hubs. They are lifelines for the region’s economy, security, and social development.
- Boosting Tourism: The North East is famous for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Airports make it easier for tourists to visit remote areas.
- Economic Growth: Airports facilitate trade, business travel, and investment in the region.
- Strategic Importance: Given the proximity to international borders, airports support defense and emergency operations.
- Connectivity: Many parts of North East India are difficult to reach by road or rail. Airports provide faster and safer travel options.
Future Developments and New Airports
The Indian government is actively working to improve air connectivity in North East India. Several new airports and upgrades are planned or underway.
- Tezu Airport (Arunachal Pradesh): Expected to start commercial operations soon, improving access to eastern Arunachal Pradesh.
- Ziro Airport (Arunachal Pradesh): Proposed to boost tourism in the scenic Ziro Valley.
- Upgrades to existing airports: Enhancements in passenger facilities, runway extensions, and better navigation systems.
These developments aim to make air travel more accessible and convenient for residents and visitors.
How to Choose the Right Airport for Your Trip
When planning your trip to North East India, consider the following:
- Destination: Choose the airport closest to your final destination.
- Flight Availability: Check which airports have direct flights from your city.
- Connectivity: Consider ground transport options from the airport to your destination.
- Facilities: Larger airports offer better amenities and services.
For example, if you’re visiting Assam, Guwahati Airport is the best choice. For Mizoram, Lengpui Airport is your go-to. If you’re exploring Arunachal Pradesh, Pasighat or Tezu airports might be more convenient.
Tips for Traveling Through North East India Airports
Traveling in North East India can be a unique experience. Here are some tips to make your journey smoother:
- Book flights early: Air connectivity is limited, so early booking helps.
- Check weather conditions: The region experiences heavy rains and fog, which can affect flights.
- Carry valid ID and permits: Some areas require special permits for entry.
- Plan ground transport: Arrange taxis or buses in advance, especially in remote areas.
- Be prepared for delays: Flight delays are common due to weather or operational reasons.
Conclusion
North East India has nine operational airports that connect this beautiful and diverse region to the rest of India and neighboring countries. From the busy international airport in Guwahati to smaller regional airports like Pasighat and Dimapur, these airports are vital for travel, trade, and development.
As air connectivity improves with new airports and upgrades, exploring North East India becomes easier and more enjoyable. Whether you’re visiting for tourism, business, or family, knowing about these airports helps you plan your trip effectively. So next time you think about traveling to the North East, you’ll know exactly where to fly!
FAQs
How many airports are there in North East India?
There are nine operational airports in North East India, serving domestic and limited international flights across the eight states.
Which is the busiest airport in North East India?
Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati is the busiest and largest airport in the region.
Are there international flights from North East India airports?
Yes, Guwahati Airport offers international flights, and Agartala Airport has limited international connectivity, mainly to Bangladesh.
Is there an airport in Arunachal Pradesh?
Yes, Pasighat Airport is operational, and Tezu Airport is expected to start commercial flights soon.
Can I fly directly to Mizoram?
Yes, Lengpui Airport in Mizoram connects the state with major Indian cities like Guwahati and Kolkata.
