The inauguration of Arunachal Pradesh’s Donyi Polo Airport near Itanagar has been postponed until October due to the non-receipt of the DGCA flight schedule, despite civil construction being completed.
Donyi Polo Airport Opening Deferred Until October
The inauguration of the Donyi Polo Airport near Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh has been postponed until October due to technical and regulatory reasons, delaying the launch of the state’s first full-fledged airport.
Arunachal Pradesh Civil Aviation Minister Nakap Nalo announced that the greenfield airport at Hollongi was initially scheduled to be inaugurated on Independence Day, but commercial operations will now begin only after the airport is included in the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) flight schedule.
The postponement comes despite the completion of all major construction work at the airport.
DGCA Flight Schedule Behind Delay
According to Minister Nakap Nalo, the inauguration has been deferred because the DGCA has not yet issued the required flight schedule for the airport.
He explained that the DGCA generally prepares and finalises flight schedules in October, and the airport can only be inaugurated after it is formally incorporated into the operational schedule.
The minister said the delay is procedural rather than construction-related, adding that the airport is fully prepared for operations.
Civil Construction and Technical Readiness Complete
The state government confirmed that all key infrastructure at Donyi Polo Airport has been completed.
Major facilities include:
- Runway
- Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower
- Interim Terminal Building
- Operational airport infrastructure
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has also completed regulatory inspections, flight calibration exercises and successful test landings, indicating that the airport is technically ready to receive commercial flights.
Government Working to Launch Commercial Services
The Arunachal Pradesh government is coordinating with the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and airline operators to ensure commercial flight services begin at the earliest after regulatory approval.
Officials said the airport is expected to significantly improve air connectivity between Arunachal Pradesh and the rest of the country, reducing travel time and boosting tourism, trade and regional development.
First Full-Fledged Airport in Arunachal Pradesh
Located at Hollongi, the Donyi Polo Airport is the first full-fledged airport in Arunachal Pradesh and is regarded as a landmark infrastructure project for the northeastern state.
Once operational, it is expected to strengthen connectivity to the state capital, Itanagar, while supporting economic growth, investment and easier access for residents and visitors.
Key Takeaways
- The inauguration of Donyi Polo Airport has been postponed until October.
- The delay is due to the non-receipt of the DGCA flight schedule.
- All major civil construction, including the runway, ATC tower and terminal building, has been completed.
- The AAI has successfully conducted regulatory inspections, flight calibration and test landings.
- The airport will become Arunachal Pradesh’s first full-fledged airport once commercial operations begin.
FAQs
Why has the inauguration of Donyi Polo Airport been postponed?
The inauguration has been delayed because the airport has not yet been included in the DGCA’s flight schedule, which is expected to be finalised in October.
Where is Donyi Polo Airport located?
The airport is located at Hollongi, near Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh.
Is the airport construction complete?
Yes. The runway, Air Traffic Control tower, terminal building and other major infrastructure have been completed, and regulatory inspections and test landings have been successfully conducted.
Why is Donyi Polo Airport significant?
It is Arunachal Pradesh’s first full-fledged airport and is expected to greatly improve air connectivity, tourism and economic development in the state.
