Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu announced that India’s civil aviation sector has seen unprecedented growth under the NDA government, with the number of airports, aircraft, and passengers doubling over the past 11 years. He credited the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for prioritising connectivity as a cornerstone of national development.

Naidu was speaking at the inauguration of the new terminal building at Donyi Polo Airport in Hollongi, Arunachal Pradesh. The minister hailed the occasion as a landmark moment for civil aviation in the northeast, describing it as a “happy day” for both the people of Arunachal and the broader region.

The new terminal building, developed with the support of Chief Minister Pema Khandu and both central and state governments, has a passenger capacity of 800 at a time and can serve up to 15 lakh people annually. This marks a significant upgrade from the temporary facility, which could only handle 150 passengers.

In addition to modern infrastructure, several passenger-centric initiatives were launched, such as the UDAN Yatri Café, AVASAR stalls for self-help groups, and the Flybrary—a take-a-book program promoting reading. The terminal also features play zones for children, cultural art displays, and retail spaces showcasing local artisans’ creations, blending travel with community development.

Flight connectivity from Itanagar is also expanding, with daily Delhi flights starting September 17, replacing the current four-day service. Donyi Polo Airport already connects to Guwahati, Kolkata, and Tezu, strengthening regional air links under the extended UDAN scheme, which has been renewed for another 10 years to improve connectivity in underserved areas.

Naidu further revealed plans to boost passenger convenience nationwide with free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and workspaces at airports. With new airports being operationalised in Arunachal Pradesh, including Pasighat, Tezu, and Ziro, the government aims to transform the northeast into a strong aviation hub that bridges communities, cultures, and opportunities.