Northeast India, often referred to as the “Seven Sisters,” is a geographically and culturally distinct region bordered by Bhutan, China, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. Despite its remoteness, the region has seen significant progress in aviation infrastructure over the past decade. This article explores the airports in Northeast India , their historical evolution, operational scope, and their role in connecting this ecologically rich yet politically sensitive region to the rest of the country and the world.
Table of Contents
How Many Airports Are There in Northeast India?
As of 2025, there are 12 active airports across the eight northeastern states (Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim). These include:
- 3 international airports
- 9 domestic airports
- Several under-construction or planned airports
These airports serve both civilian and strategic purposes, supporting economic growth, tourism, and defense logistics. For deeper insights into regional connectivity.
Main International Airports in Northeast India
1. Guwahati – Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU)
State : Assam
Historical Context : Established in 1957, GAU is the oldest and busiest airport in the region. It serves as the primary gateway to Northeast India , handling over 2.5 million passengers annually (as of 2024).
Connectivity : Guwahati Airport (GAU) is the largest and busiest airport in Northeast India , connecting the region to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and even international destinations like Bhutan and Thailand. It’s the perfect starting point for travelers heading to Assam, Meghalaya, or Arunachal Pradesh.
Infrastructure : Recently expanded terminal with modern facilities, including solar-powered systems and upgraded cargo handling.
2. Imphal – Bir Tikendrajit International Airport (IMF)
📍 State : Manipur
Role : Primarily connects Manipur to major Indian cities and occasionally to neighboring countries like Myanmar and Bangladesh
Connectivity : Imphal Airport offers flights to Delhi, Kolkata, and Dhaka, making it a key hub for travelers exploring Manipur’s cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Passenger Traffic : Handles ~600,000 passengers yearly (2024 data).
Strategic Significance : Close to India’s border with Myanmar, IMF plays a critical role in military and humanitarian operations.
3. Agartala – Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport (IXA)
📍 State : Tripura
Evolution : Upgraded to international status in 2018, IXA now offers direct flights to Dhaka, Bangladesh, strengthening cross-border trade and diplomacy.
Connectivity : Agartala Airport connects Tripura to major Indian cities and even Dhaka, Bangladesh. It’s ideal for tourists visiting Neermahal Palace or Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary
Growth : Passenger numbers grew by 22% between 2020–2024, driven by increased connectivity.
Economic Impact : Facilitates trade with Bangladesh and serves as a hub for northeastern exports like tea and handicrafts.
Key Domestic Airports in Northeast India
4. Dimapur – Dimapur Airport (DMR)
📍 State : Nagaland
Connectivity : The only airport in Nagaland, Dimapur serves as a gateway to Kohima and the Hornbill Festival. Flights operate from Kolkata and Guwahati.
Operational Stats : Handles ~400,000 passengers annually (2024), primarily connecting Nagaland to Kolkata and Guwahati.
Challenges : Limited expansion potential due to geographic constraints; plans for a new greenfield airport are under discussion.
5. Silchar – Silchar Airport (IXS)
📍 State : Assam
Connectivity : Located in southern Assam, Silchar Airport connects travelers to Guwahati and Kolkata. It’s close to Loktak Lake in Manipur.
Significance : Critical for evacuations during annual floods in the Barak Valley.
6. Dibrugarh – Dibrugarh Airport (DIB)
📍 State : Assam
Connectivity : A bustling domestic hub, Dibrugarh Airport links eastern Assam to metro cities. Frequent flights to Guwahati and Delhi.
Cargo Role : One of the few airports in the region with dedicated cargo terminals, vital for transporting fresh produce and tea.
Upgrades : Recent runway extension allows larger aircraft, boosting efficiency.
7. Tezpur – Tezpur Airport (TEZ)
📍 State : Assam
Tourism Link : Near Kaziranga National Park , Tezpur Airport is a favorite among wildlife enthusiasts. Daily flights to Guwahati and Kolkata.
Military Tie : Shared with the Indian Air Force, highlighting dual-use infrastructure.
8. Jorhat – Jorhat Airport (JRH)
📍 State : Assam
Legacy : One of India’s oldest airstrips, built during WWII as a supply route for Allied forces.
Connectivity : Known for its tea gardens, Jorhat Airport connects to Guwahati and is near the Madan Kamdev Temple ruins.
Current Use : Focuses on regional connectivity and agricultural exports.
9. Itanagar – Donyi Polo Airport (HGI)
📍 State : Arunachal Pradesh
Connectivity : Opened in 2022, Donyi Polo Airport is Arunachal Pradesh’s first international airport. Direct flights to Delhi and Hyderabad.
Milestone : Opened in 2022, HGI is Arunachal Pradesh’s first international airport.
Geopolitical Relevance : Reinforces India’s claim over the disputed Arunachal Pradesh (claimed by China as South Tibet).
10. Pasighat / Along / Ziro Airports
📍 State : Arunachal Pradesh
Function : Small airstrips serving remote hill stations, managed under the UDAN Scheme for regional air connectivity
Limitations : Weather-dependent operations; seasonal closures during monsoons.
Upcoming Airports Under Development
| Airport | State | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Aizawl Airport | Mizoram | Under Construction |
| Khowai Airport | Tripura | Under Construction |
| Saiha Airport | Mizoram | Planned |
Key Observations :
- Guwahati Airport (GAU) accounts for ~40% of all regional air traffic .
- UDAN Scheme has added 35 new routes since 2017, benefiting underserved areas.
- Defense Collaboration : 60% of northeast airports share infrastructure with the Indian Air Force.
Technical Challenges in Northeast Aviation
- Weather Volatility : Frequent fog in winter and heavy monsoon rains disrupt schedules.
- Terrain Complexity : Mountainous landscapes and dense forests complicate airport expansions.
- Security Concerns : Proximity to international borders necessitates stringent security protocols.
Historical Evolution of Northeast Airports
- Pre-Independence : Airfields like Jorhat were used for WWII operations.
- Post-1960s : Expansion of GAU and IMF to support state capitals.
- 2000s : Focus on regional connectivity under the UPA and NDA governments.
- 2020s : Rapid upgrades driven by the UDAN Scheme and geopolitical priorities.
Geopolitical Significance
Airports in Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur are strategically located near China’s borders , making them critical for surveillance and rapid troop movement. Similarly, Agartala’s proximity to Bangladesh underscores its role in transnational diplomacy and trade.
Future Projections
| Project | Expected Completion | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| New Terminal at GAU | 2027 | Double capacity to 5 million passengers/year. |
| Greenfield Aizawl Airport | 2026 | Connect Mizoram’s capital directly to metro cities. |
| Runway Upgrade at IMF | 2025 | Enable night landing capabilities for emergency services. |
Frequently Asked Questions (Knowledge-Based)
Q1: Why is Guwahati Airport the largest in Northeast India?
👉 Due to its central location, economic activity in Assam, and role as a transit hub for neighboring states.
Q2: How does the UDAN Scheme benefit remote airports?
👉 By subsidizing fares and encouraging airlines to operate unprofitable routes, ensuring last-mile connectivity.
Q3: What challenges do northeast airports face compared to other regions?
👉 Geographic isolation, political instability, and climate extremes create unique operational hurdles.
Conclusion
The airports of Northeast India are not merely transportation hubs—they are strategic assets that shape the region’s economic, cultural, and geopolitical landscape. From bustling international terminals like Guwahati to remote airstrips in Arunachal Pradesh, these facilities reflect India’s efforts to integrate a historically isolated region into the global narrative. As infrastructure continues to evolve, these airports will play a pivotal role in bridging gaps between tradition and modernity in one of Asia’s most enigmatic corners.
That’s really interesting how airports can play such a dual role in both civilian and military operations! I wonder which specific regions benefit the most from this setup. Do you think the economic and tourism gains outweigh the strategic military aspects?
The idea of regional connectivity is crucial, but how do they balance security concerns with open access for travelers? Sometimes it feels like these two purposes could conflict.
Also, are there any examples where this dual-use approach has caused issues? Or has it mostly been smooth sailing?
I’d love to hear more about how local communities feel about this—do they see these airports as engines for growth or more as potential risks?
And what about environmental impacts? Large airports must have a big footprint—are there sustainability efforts in place?
Honestly, I’m torn—it’s impressive infrastructure but also seems like a lot to manage. What’s your take on the long-term viability of these dual-purpose airports?