In a significant development for air connectivity in Northeast India, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal presided over a crucial meeting of the Airport Advisory Committee at Dibrugarh airport on Monday evening. The high-level gathering focused on comprehensive infrastructure development and announced major expansion plans that promise to transform regional air travel.
New Flight Route to Boost Regional Connectivity
The meeting witnessed a landmark announcement from Dibrugarh Airport Director Bangajit Saha, who revealed that Akasa Air will commence flight services connecting Dibrugarh and Bengaluru via Bagdogra starting February 1, 2026. This new air route is expected to create a vital aviation bridge between Assam and southern India, serving business travelers, tourists, and local residents alike.
"The new Akasa Air service will provide a major impetus to both business travel and tourism, seamlessly connecting the resource-rich region of upper Assam with the key metropolitan hub of Bengaluru," stated Saha during the committee meeting. The strategic routing via Bagdogra is designed to optimize connectivity while serving multiple destinations effectively.
Infrastructure Upgrades and Evening Flights
In addition to the new flight route, airport authorities confirmed the completion of a newly constructed Air Traffic Control (ATC) building at Dibrugarh airport. This state-of-the-art facility is now ready for commissioning and is anticipated to significantly enhance the safety and efficiency of air traffic operations throughout the region.
Addressing passenger demands for greater flexibility, the airport director also disclosed that efforts are underway to initiate regular evening flight operations. "We are working to resolve a few technical requirements, after which we aim to start regular evening flights, providing more flexibility to passengers," Saha added, indicating that expanded operational hours could soon become a reality.
Holistic Development Approach
The comprehensive meeting covered multiple aspects of airport development, including infrastructure enhancement, aesthetic improvements, emergency services management, passenger amenities, and workforce expansion. Minister Sonowal provided detailed guidance on each matter, emphasizing the urgent need to address key issues affecting airport operations.
The Union Minister stressed the importance of adopting a holistic development approach to ensure Dibrugarh airport meets international standards in both service quality and infrastructure. "The decisions taken today, including the new flight to Bengaluru and the state-of-the-art ATC, mark a significant leap in our mission to make Dibrugarh airport a gateway of prosperity and connectivity for upper Assam," Sonowal declared.
He further elaborated that "the new connectivity to Bengaluru and the advanced ATC building are concrete steps toward integrating Assam more firmly with the national and global economy," highlighting the strategic importance of these developments for regional economic growth.
The meeting concluded with committee members reaching consensus on addressing priority issues that require immediate attention to accelerate the development timeline. The gathering included key stakeholders such as Dibrugarh District Commissioner Bikram Kairi, Dibrugarh Airport Director Bangajit Saha, Deputy Commandant CISF Rohit Sahare, and other committee members, all committed to transforming Dibrugarh airport into a modern aviation hub.
