The newly constructed terminal building at Donyi Polo Airport in Hollongi, Arunachal Pradesh, was inaugurated by Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu and Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday. The upgraded facility is expected to ease congestion, improve flight operations, and boost trade and tourism across the state.Built at a cost of approximately Rs 6.4 billion, the greenfield airport—originally inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2022—has seen its passenger capacity rise significantly. The terminal can now handle 800 passengers simultaneously, a substantial increase from the previous 150-passenger temporary terminal, and boasts an annual handling capacity of nearly 1.5 million passengers.Calling it a “happy day for civil aviation and Arunachal Pradesh,” Minister Naidu highlighted the aviation sector’s remarkable growth over the past decade.“In the last 11 years, the number of airports, aircraft and passengers in India has doubled. This reflects the government’s commitment to improving connectivity,” he said.Chief Minister Khandu emphasised the terminal’s role in easing travel for students, entrepreneurs, and families who leave the state for education, business, or healthcare.“We are not just improving infrastructure—we are improving lives,” he said, noting that the earlier operations were managed from a temporary terminal.In tandem with the terminal upgrade, IndiGo announced it will increase frequency on the Delhi route from four days a week to daily flights starting 17 September, further complementing existing routes to Guwahati, Kolkata, and Tezu.Several new passenger-centric initiatives were also launched, including:The UDAN Yatri CaféA library scheme for travellersThe AVASAR (Airport as Venue for Skilled Artisans of the Region) programme to promote self-help groups and women entrepreneursA dedicated kids’ retail storeMinister Naidu also revealed upcoming improvements such as free Wi-Fi, additional charging stations, and dedicated workspaces, aimed at enhancing passenger experience.“Airports should reflect the unique culture of their regions and become more than just transit points,” he added.The launch coincided with the Northeastern Ministerial Conference in Itanagar, which Naidu noted would bolster Centre–State coordination on regional development goals.