Assam: Tezpur Airport to be shut for 1.5 years for maintenance work

Tezpur Airport to Suspend Flight Services for Maintenance Works Starting October

New Delhi: The flight services at Tezpur Airport in Assam will be suspended from October 2024 for one and a half years due to extensive maintenance works, a senior official confirmed on Wednesday.

Managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Tezpur Airport will halt passenger flights from October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2026. Tezpur Airport Director G. Shiva Kumar stated that the closure is necessary to resurface the runway and undertake various projects to enhance terminal facilities. This decision was coordinated with the Tezpur Base of the Indian Air Force, which shares the runway for both commercial and fighter aircraft operations.

The Tezpur Air Force Base had previously informed the Tezpur Salonibari Passenger Airport Authority about the maintenance schedule, necessitating the temporary suspension of passenger services. During this period, the authority is exploring the possibility of providing helicopter services from Tezpur to Guwahati, although final arrangements are yet to be made.

Currently, a 90-seater SpiceJet flight operates daily from Tezpur to Kolkata. Additionally, two airlines run daily flights to Kolkata via Guwahati, Pasighat, and Tezpur, offering connectivity to various destinations. The airport, situated on the north bank of the Brahmaputra river, is approximately 12 km from Tezpur town, the capital of Sonitpur district.

Tezpur Airport has a rich history, having been established at Salonibari in 1942. The airport terminal can accommodate a total of 400 passengers at a time, catering to both civilian and military aviation needs. The temporary suspension of services is expected to significantly improve the airport’s infrastructure and passenger experience upon completion of the maintenance works.

Tezpur is known for its strategic importance due to its proximity to the India-China border, making the airport a vital asset for both civilian and military operations. The planned improvements are part of a broader initiative to modernize the airport’s facilities, ensuring safety and efficiency for all its users.

Local residents and travelers are advised to plan their trips accordingly and stay updated with the latest information from the Airports Authority of India and airline operators regarding alternative travel arrangements during the maintenance period.