(a) whether many airports in the North Eastern Region remain idle or under-used;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) the steps taken to make such airports operational;
(d) whether there is any proposal to introduce small carrier aircraft from such airports; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF THE STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION (SHRI PRAFUL PATEL)
(a) & (b) Yes, Madam. There are 12 airports which are non operational/unfit for operation by scheduled
airlines. Out of these airports Rupsi (Assam), Shella (Meghalaya), Turial (Mizoram), Kamalpur, Kailashahar
and Khowai (Tripura), Passighat (Arunachal Pradesh) belong to Airports Authority of India. Tura (Meghalaya),
Along, Zero, Daparizo and Tezu (Arunachal Pradesh) belong to respective State Governemnts.
(c), (d) & (e) AAI has proposed to upgrade some of the airports subject to availability of land from State
Government, free of cost and free from all emcumbrances and subject to provision of funds from the Government
of India. Operation of small aircrafts from these airports can only begin after upgradation of these airports.