Itanagar, September 4, 2025: Mizoram Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma today participated in the North East Region Minister’s Conference on Civil Aviation and the 3rd North East Aviation Summit held at the Dorjee Khandu Auditorium of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly in Itanagar. Organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, the summit brought together policymakers, aviation experts, industry representatives, and state governments to discuss strategies for strengthening air connectivity and aviation infrastructure across the Northeast.
The conference was attended by Union Civil Aviation Minister Pu Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu, senior officials of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Airports Authority of India (AAI) Chairman Pu Vipin Kumar, Director General of Civil Aviation Asangba Chuba Ao, IAS, and representatives from various aviation companies and government agencies.
During the interactive session, Chief Minister Lalduhoma highlighted several key aviation-related issues affecting Mizoram and sought support from the Union Government to improve air connectivity, infrastructure, and aviation services in the state.
One of the major issues raised by the Chief Minister was the management of Lengpui Airport, Mizoram’s lone airport. He informed the gathering that the state government is awaiting a formal proposal from the Airports Authority of India regarding the airport’s management and reiterated Mizoram’s willingness to provide the airport on lease under the provisions of the Mizoram Land Revenue Act, 2013.
Lalduhoma also emphasized the urgent need for the establishment of Greenfield Airports in Lunglei and Champhai, noting that enhanced air connectivity is essential for economic growth, tourism, trade, and regional development. Responding to the proposal, Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu assured that feasibility studies for the proposed airports would be initiated within a month.
Another major topic of discussion was the expansion of services under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN. The Chief Minister welcomed plans by Pawan Hans to begin helicopter services in the state from October 2025 but requested the reassignment of the Aizawl–Parva helicopter route, which has been found to be commercially unviable.
In a bid to diversify transportation options, Lalduhoma proposed the introduction of seaplane services in Mizoram. He suggested exploring three to four potential sites across the state where such operations could be feasible. The Union Minister responded positively and agreed to initiate a pre-feasibility study to assess the viability of the proposal.
The Chief Minister also raised concerns over the high cost of air travel to and from Mizoram. He urged the Ministry and airline operators to consider measures to reduce fares on the heavily used Aizawl–Kolkata route and increase the number of flights connecting Aizawl with Kolkata and New Delhi. The Ministry assured that the matter would be discussed with airlines operating in the region.
Highlighting the importance of agriculture and horticulture to Mizoram’s economy, Lalduhoma stressed the need for a dedicated cargo hub and cold storage facilities at Lengpui Airport. He noted that such infrastructure would greatly benefit farmers and exporters by enabling the efficient transportation of perishable products to markets across India and abroad. The proposal is expected to be incorporated into discussions concerning the future management and development of the airport.
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The inaugural session of the summit also featured addresses by Union Minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pu Pema Khandu, both of whom emphasized the importance of strengthening aviation infrastructure in the Northeast to unlock the region’s economic potential and improve connectivity.
Officials said the summit provided a valuable platform for states to engage directly with aviation authorities and industry stakeholders, enabling them to present region-specific concerns and development priorities.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma was accompanied by Pu Lalrohlua, Director of the GAD Aviation Wing, during the conference. As part of his visit to Arunachal Pradesh, the Chief Minister is scheduled to travel to Ziro Valley on Friday at the invitation of Agriculture Minister Pu Gabriel Wangsu, where he will explore agricultural initiatives and development projects in the region.
The discussions at the aviation summit are expected to pave the way for improved connectivity, enhanced infrastructure, and greater economic opportunities for Mizoram, further integrating the state with the national aviation network and supporting its long-term development goals.
