Arunachal Pradesh – Arunachal Pradesh has stepped up efforts to strengthen its aviation network, with Civil Aviation Minister Balo Raja pressing airlines to expand services to remote landing grounds and introduce new routes to southern cities.
Raja, joined by Civil Aviation Secretary Mamta Riba and senior officials, held separate meetings in New Delhi with Alliance Air CEO Rajarshi Sen and SpiceJet Vice President C. S. Palani on February 16. The discussions focused on improving connectivity for frontier regions and addressing the travel needs of students, patients, and residents across the state.
Acknowledging Alliance Air’s existing services to Ziro, Pasighat, and Tezu, Raja said these routes have eased access for locals and visitors, including pilgrims heading to Parashuram Kund and tourists visiting the Golden Pagoda in Namsai. He urged the airline to extend fixed-wing operations to Mechukha, Walong, and Tuting, aligning with the Centre’s emphasis on border security and frontier development.
The minister also called for daily ATR-72 flights between Guwahati and Hollongi airport near Itanagar. Alliance Air indicated that additional Dornier 228 services on the Itanagar–Guwahati sector could be explored, while operations to advanced landing grounds would be considered once infrastructure is ready.
In his meeting with SpiceJet, Raja highlighted the need for direct connectivity to Chennai and Bengaluru, stressing the importance of affordable travel for students pursuing higher education and patients seeking specialized medical care. Palani, who also serves as the airline’s chief adviser for corporate affairs, assured that the feasibility of flights from Hollongi to southern metros would be examined, including the possible use of new aircraft and seaplane services.
Describing the talks as constructive, Raja said expanding air services through Hollongi remains central to the state’s strategy of improving mobility, boosting tourism, and integrating remote districts with the rest of the country.
