AAI team inspects Kailashahar Airport for revival operations

By  Firstdespatch Desk   May 27, 2025

Agartala, May 27 (FD) Tripura Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury on Tuesday said that a team of Airport Authority of India (AAI) has inspected the abandoned airport at Kailashahar in Unakoti district to revive it.

He said, “We are optimistic that flight operations will resume and the people of the Unakoti district would be benefitted and regional connectivity would be enhanced”.

The team which visited the airport on Monday included M Rajkishore, the Regional Executive Director of North-East, KC Meena, the Director of Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport here and L Darlong, Additional District Magistrate of Unakoti.

“We have inspected the fundamental infrastructures in the airport and studying the feasibility of operations”, said Rajkishore.
Meena said the inspection was made following instructions from the Ministry of the Civil Aviation as the state Government repeatedly requested them.

An official of the Ministry said that more lands would required for revival of the airport as it has only a 1000 meters long runway, which is not even feasible for operating flights of an ATR.

“A small flight carrying passengers up to 16-19 is not available always and safety of the flight is also a major concern”, he said.

Meena said the AAI has sought land measuring 75 acres to 205 acres and the revival plan can be made by AIA only after the state Government arranges the land.

The airport, situated near the Indo-Bangla international border remained defunct for the last 30 years played a major role during the Indo-Pak war in 1971 as the Indian Air Force planes operated and launched offensive from this airport.

The local Congress MLA, Birajit Sinha strongly demanded revival of the airport in Tripura assembly and other places. FD JK