Assam, a state in northeastern India, has seen growth in its air travel infrastructure. This expansion supports tourism and trade in the region. There are 6 operational airports in Assam.
The biggest airport in Assam is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati. It serves as the main hub for air travel in the state. This airport has two terminals for domestic and international flights.
Other airports in Assam include those in Jorhat, Silchar, and Dibrugarh. These airports help connect different parts of the state. They play a key role in boosting tourism and economic growth in Assam.
Overview of Airports in Assam
Assam has a mix of airports serving different purposes. These range from busy international hubs to smaller domestic terminals and military airfields. They play a key role in connecting the state to the rest of India and beyond.
Major Airports and Their Roles
Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati is Assam’s main gateway. It handles both domestic and international flights. This airport links Assam to major Indian cities and some foreign countries.
Dibrugarh Airport is an important domestic airport. It serves the eastern part of Assam. Jorhat Airport and Silchar Airport also handle domestic flights. These airports connect smaller cities to larger hubs.
Some airports in Assam serve dual purposes. For example, Chabua Air Force Station is used by both military and civilian aircraft.
Count and Classification of Airports
Assam has 6 operational airports as of 2023. These include:
- 1 international airport
- 4 domestic airports
- 1 airport used for both military and civil purposes
The state’s airports are classified based on their capabilities:
- International: Handles both domestic and international flights
- Domestic: Serves flights within India
- Military/Civil: Used by both armed forces and civilian aircraft
This mix of airports helps meet Assam’s diverse air travel needs. It supports tourism, business, and strategic interests in the region.
Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport
Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is the biggest airport in Assam. It serves Guwahati, the largest city in the state. The airport plays a key role in connecting Assam to other parts of India and the world.
Facilities and Operations
The airport has modern facilities to handle both domestic and international flights. It has a single runway that is 3,000 meters long. The terminal building can handle up to 1,600 passengers per hour.
The airport offers services like duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges. It also has car rental options and taxi services for travelers.
Major airlines like IndiGo and Air India operate flights from this airport. They connect Guwahati to cities across India and some international destinations.
Connectivity and Importance
Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is vital for Assam’s economy. It links the state capital, Dispur, to other major Indian cities. The airport is 26 km from Dispur and 28 km from Guwahati city center.
It serves as the main gateway to Northeast India. The airport handles both passenger and cargo traffic. This helps boost trade and tourism in the region.
The airport’s importance has grown over time. It is now the 12th busiest airport in India. Its expansion has helped improve connectivity for the entire northeastern region of the country.
Regional Airports Impact on Local Economy
Assam’s regional airports boost economic growth in their areas. They create jobs, attract businesses, and increase tourism. Each airport has unique effects on its surrounding region.
Tezpur Airport
Tezpur Airport serves the city of Tezpur and nearby areas. It helps local tea and tourism industries. The airport creates jobs for ground staff, security, and maintenance workers.
Local hotels and restaurants benefit from increased visitors. Taxi and car rental services also see more business. The airport helps Tezpur connect to other parts of India, boosting trade.
Dibrugarh Airport
Dibrugarh Airport is important for the oil and tea industries in Upper Assam. It’s the second biggest airport in Assam after Guwahati. The airport helps companies transport goods and workers.
Many oil executives and tea buyers use this airport. This leads to more high-end hotels and restaurants in Dibrugarh. Local businesses gain from the influx of visitors and improved connectivity.
Silchar Airport
Silchar Airport serves the Barak Valley region. It’s crucial for the paper and tea industries there. The airport helps these sectors export their products more easily.
Tourism in the area has grown due to better air links. This creates jobs in hotels, restaurants, and tour companies. The airport also makes it easier for students to reach Silchar’s educational institutions.
Jorhat Airport
Jorhat Airport supports the city’s status as Assam’s tea capital. Tea buyers and exporters use this airport often. This boosts the local hospitality sector.
The airport also helps Jorhat’s growing IT industry. It makes it easier for tech professionals to travel. Local craft industries benefit too, as the airport allows for quicker export of handmade goods.
Lilabari Airport
Lilabari Airport serves North Lakhimpur and nearby areas. It’s important for the region’s agriculture sector. The airport helps farmers export fresh produce more quickly.
Tourism to nearby Arunachal Pradesh has increased due to this airport. This creates jobs in hotels and travel agencies. The airport also improves medical access, as patients can now travel to bigger cities for treatment more easily.
Mohanbari Airport
Mohanbari Airport, also known as Dibrugarh Airport, is vital for Upper Assam’s economy. It serves the oil, natural gas, and tea industries. Many workers in these sectors use the airport regularly.
The airport helps attract investment to the region. It makes it easier for business people to visit and explore opportunities. Local real estate has also grown, with more demand for housing near the airport.
Rupsi Airport
Rupsi Airport is one of the smallest in Assam. It serves the Dhubri and Kokrajhar districts. The airport has revived after being closed for many years.
It now helps local farmers export their products faster. The tourism industry in nearby Manas National Park has grown. The airport also creates direct jobs for local people in various roles.
Military Air Bases and Their Strategic Importance
Assam has key military air bases that play a crucial role in India’s defense. These bases are vital for protecting the country’s northeastern region and conducting operations.
Chabua Air Force Station
Chabua Air Force Station is a major military base in Assam. It was built in 1939 and saw action during World War II. The station served as a supply hub for forces in and around Kunming.
The Indian Air Force now uses this base. Its runway stretches 9,003 feet (2.744 km). This length allows it to handle various aircraft types.
Chabua’s location makes it important for defense. It’s close to India’s borders with China and Myanmar. This positioning helps in quick response times for air operations.
Sookerating Air Force Station
Sookerating Air Force Station is another key military base in Assam. It’s located in the eastern part of the state. The base supports India’s defense strategy in the Northeast.
Sookerating’s role includes air surveillance and border patrol. Its aircraft help monitor nearby international borders. This aids in preventing unauthorized entries and activities.
The station also serves as a training ground for pilots. Its facilities allow for various flight exercises. This helps keep Air Force personnel ready for different scenarios.
Cultural and Natural Significance
Assam’s airports play a key role in showcasing the state’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. They serve as gateways to unique experiences and help promote important sites.
Airports Gateways to Natural Wonders
Assam’s airports connect visitors to amazing natural sights. The Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati is a main entry point for tourists. From there, people can easily reach Kaziranga National Park, home of the rare One-Horned Rhino.
The mighty Brahmaputra River flows near many Assam airports. This gives travelers great views as they arrive. Smaller airports like Jorhat are close to tea gardens, letting visitors see Assam’s famous tea industry up close.
Promoting Heritage Sites via Accessibility
Airports make it easier for people to visit Assam’s important cultural places. The Kamakhya Temple, a major Hindu site, is just a short drive from Guwahati airport. This helps more pilgrims and tourists reach this sacred spot.
Better air links have boosted tourism to Assam’s historic sites and festivals. Airports in cities like Dibrugarh and Silchar let people quickly reach different parts of the state. This helps spread visitors around and show off more of Assam’s rich culture.
Future Developments in Assam’s Aviation Sector
Assam’s aviation sector is poised for growth with new airport projects and expansions planned. These developments aim to boost connectivity and economic opportunities in the region.
Planned Airport Projects
The new greenfield airport in Hollongi, Arunachal Pradesh is set to begin operations soon. This project, costing INR 645.63 crore, will improve air connectivity in the Northeast.
Assam is also planning to add new aviation facilities. These include:
- Two new heliports
- One water aerodrome
These additions will expand air travel options and support tourism in the state.
Expansion of Current Airports
Guwahati International Airport is undergoing a modernization project. This upgrade will increase the airport’s capacity and improve passenger facilities.
Other airports in Assam are also set for improvements. The government aims to:
- Extend runways
- Upgrade terminal buildings
- Improve navigation systems
These changes will allow for bigger planes and more flights, boosting Assam’s air connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Assam has several airports serving different cities and regions. These airports vary in size and capacity, with some handling domestic flights and others offering international connections.
What are the names of all airports located in Assam?
Assam has 6 operational airports as of 2023. These include Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, Dibrugarh Airport, Jorhat Airport, Silchar Airport, Tezpur Airport, and Rupsi Airport.
Which airport is the largest in Assam?
The largest airport in Assam is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, also known as Guwahati Airport. It serves as the primary international gateway for the state and handles the most passenger traffic.
Are there any international airports in Assam, and if so, what are they called?
Assam has one international airport. It is called Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, located in Guwahati. This airport connects Assam to both domestic and international destinations.
Can you list the domestic airports present in Assam?
The domestic airports in Assam include Dibrugarh Airport, Jorhat Airport, Silchar Airport, Tezpur Airport, and Rupsi Airport. These airports mainly handle flights to and from other cities within India.
What is the name of the airport situated in Jorhat, Assam?
The airport in Jorhat is simply called Jorhat Airport. It serves the city of Jorhat and surrounding areas, offering domestic flights to major Indian cities.
Does Assam have more than one airport, and what are their names?
Yes, Assam has multiple airports. The six operational airports are Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (Guwahati), Dibrugarh Airport, Jorhat Airport, Silchar Airport, Tezpur Airport, and Rupsi Airport. Each serves different regions of the state.
