The Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, organized the North East Region Minister’s Conference on Civil Aviation at the Dorjee Khandu Auditorium, Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Itanagar. Chief Minister Lalduhoma attended the conference along with Union Minister for Civil Aviation Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu, senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Chairman of the Airports Authority of India, Director General of Civil Aviation Asangba Chuba Ao, IAS, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, and other dignitaries. The programme featured a productive one-on-one interactive session and meaningful exchanges.
During the conference, Chief Minister Lalduhoma highlighted several key demands and issues relating to aviation development in Mizoram:
1. Lengpui Airport Management
The Chief Minister stated that while the Indian Air Force has already submitted its proposal regarding the management of Lengpui Airport, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has not yet presented its formal proposal. He emphasized that the State Government is awaiting a comprehensive proposal from AAI. In response, Vipin Kumar, IAS, Chairman of AAI, informed that discussions are ongoing with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Civil Aviation, and that a final proposal is expected by late September.
The Chief Minister also conveyed that, under the Mizoram Land Revenue Act, 2013, the airport land could be leased to AAI.
2. Greenfield Airports in Lunglei and Champhai
The Chief Minister stressed the urgent need for new Greenfield Airports in Lunglei and Champhai districts, which would greatly benefit the local population and strengthen connectivity with the rest of India. He informed that the matter has already been referred to the Ministry of DoNER for a Pre-Feasibility Study.
The Union Minister assured that a study will be initiated within a month.
3. Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN)
Beginning October 2025, Pawan Hans Helicopter Services will operate under the RCS-UDAN scheme in Mizoram. The planned routes include Aizawl–Champhai, Aizawl–Lawngtlai, Aizawl–Parva, Aizawl–Silchar, and Aizawl–Churachandpur.
Since the Aizawl–Parva route may not attract enough passengers, the Chief Minister requested the Union Minister to allow this service to be reassigned to other more viable routes. The Union Minister assured that the Ministry would review the matter.
4. Seaplane Services
The Chief Minister suggested exploring possibilities for introducing seaplane services at three to four potential sites in Mizoram. The Union Minister responded that the Ministry would consider the proposal and conduct a Pre-Feasibility Study.
5. Affordable Fares
The Chief Minister highlighted the high cost of airfares, especially on the Aizawl–Kolkata route, which affects many passengers. He urged for lower and more competitive fares, as well as an increase in the frequency of flights on the Aizawl–Kolkata and Aizawl–Delhi routes. The Union Minister and his team assured that discussions would be held with IndiGo and other operators.
6. Cargo Hub and Cold Storage Facility at Lengpui Airport
The Chief Minister pointed out that Mizoram produces a wide range of high-quality horticulture products, but lack of proper export facilities prevents wider marketing. He stressed the need for a Cargo Hub and Cold Storage Facility at Lengpui Airport, which would greatly enhance the marketing of perishable goods. The Union Minister assured that this proposal will be incorporated when AAI takes over Lengpui Airport operations.
At the inaugural session of the Summit, Union Minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu delivered their addresses. Following the one-on-one sessions with Ministry officials, there were further interactions with representatives of various aviation companies.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma was accompanied by Lalrohlua, Director, GAD Aviation Wing.
As invited by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, the Chief Minister will also visit Ziro Valley tomorrow. He will be hosted there by Gabriel Wangsu, Agriculture Minister of Arunachal Pradesh.
