In a significant stride towards enhancing air connectivity and facilitating night landings, the Donyi Polo Airport in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, has been granted an all-weather license by the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Chief Minister Pema Khandu joyfully announced this development, characterising it as a monumental leap for the northeastern state. The first greenfield airport in Arunachal Pradesh, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2022, reflects the region’s cultural heritage, with its name honoring the age-old reverence for the sun (“Donyi”) and the moon (“Polo”).
Special features of Donyi Polo Airport
Spread across more than 690 acres at a cost exceeding Rs 640 crore, the airport boasts a 2,300-meter runway, ensuring suitability for all-weather operations. The modern terminal building aligns with principles of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and resource recycling.
Khandu emphasised that the all-weather license marks a crucial milestone in ensuring seamless air connectivity, providing new avenues for growth and development in the region.
Beyond improving connectivity, the Donyi Polo Airport has acted as a catalyst for trade and tourism, contributing significantly to economic development.
The northeastern states have witnessed a remarkable aviation transformation, with flights taking off from several airports, including Mizoram, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland.
This resurgence in air travel is highlighted by a notable 113% increase in aircraft movement in the northeast since 2014, demonstrating the region’s growing importance on the aviation map.