With concerns over possible flight withdrawals from Agartala, Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport Director Krishnan Mohan Nehra said on Wednesday that the airport authorities have approached the CEOs of all airlines operating from the city, urging them to maintain their services.
Nehra said the airport is making efforts to ensure adequate passenger traffic for airlines, while the state government has also taken up the issue with the Union Civil Aviation Ministry.
Addressing a press conference on the upcoming ‘Swachhta Hi Seva’ and ‘Yatri Sewa Abhiyan 2026’, the airport director said airlines may alter or reduce flight operations due to commercial considerations, aircraft availability and maintenance requirements.
“I have written letters to the CEOs of all the airlines, urging them not to withdraw any flight services from Agartala. We have assured them that we will provide passengers and are making every possible effort in this regard,” Nehra said.
He said MBB Airport currently handles up to 14 arrivals and 14 departures every day, with approximately 4,500 passengers travelling through the airport daily. Passenger footfall is expected to increase to around 6,000 per day during the upcoming festival season.
On the proposed reopening of Kailashahar Airport in Unakoti district, Nehra said two small airlines have so far submitted proposals expressing interest in operating services from the airport. A final decision on operationalising the facility will be taken after the proposals are examined.
“The airport can be operationalised once an airline gives its consent to operate. At present, two airlines have submitted proposals, and we are awaiting the final decision,” he said.
Nehra explained that the airport could initially handle smaller aircraft, while larger aircraft such as Airbus planes would require additional land and infrastructure. He said the airport authority has sought around 205 acres of additional land from the state government for future expansion.
Meanwhile, the ‘Swachhta Hi Seva’ campaign at MBB Airport will be conducted from September 17 to October 2, while the ‘Yatri Sewa Abhiyan 2026’ will continue until October 10. A series of passenger-oriented and cleanliness-related initiatives will be organised as part of the campaigns.
