The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has begun steps to revive Kailashahar Airport in Tripura’s Unakoti district after a gap of over 30 years. A high-level AAI team visited the site on May 27 to assess infrastructure, land availability, and operational visibility for restarting services under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) regional connectivity scheme.

The delegation included M. Raja Kishore, Regional Executive Director (North Eastern Region), and Kailash Chander Meena, Director of Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport, alongside state and local officials. Discussions were held around land acquisition and potential civil aviation operations.

The airport, which once operated civil flights, also played a key role during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War by supporting Indian Air Force surveillance missions. Its revival has long been demanded by civil groups and political representatives.

If reactivated, the airport is expected to enhance economic development in North Tripura and Assam’s Cachar district, while also offering strategic advantages due to its proximity to the international border. AAI plans further coordination with the Tripura government to decide service formats.

Source:
Hub Network