Complete list of airports in North East India: hubs, routes, access

Planning a trip across the Seven Sister States and Sikkim? This comprehensive guide presents a clear, traveler-first list of airports in North East India, with essential details on connectivity, international gateways, and practical tips to help you choose the best entry point.

North East India air travel at a glance

North East India (Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim) is served by a growing network of commercial airports, many strengthened under the Government of India’s regional connectivity program. As of recent updates, there are 15+ active commercial airports across the region, with three designated as international airports in Northeast India. Always verify current schedules and routes with airlines, as services can be seasonal or weather-dependent in hilly terrain.

Useful official references for airport status and facilities include the Airports Authority of India (AAI) airport pages and the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA): Guwahati (AAI), Imphal (AAI), Agartala (AAI), and the MoCA site at civilaviation.gov.in. For a list of official international entry points, see India’s Bureau of Immigration: Immigration Check Posts.

List of airports in North East India by state

Below is a practical overview of the major northeast India airports that typically handle scheduled commercial services. International airports are marked.

Assam

• Guwahati – Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (International): The region’s primary hub, with extensive domestic links and select international operations. Reference: AAI Guwahati.
• Dibrugarh – Mohanbari Airport: Key gateway for Upper Assam and oil/tea belts. Reference: AAI Dibrugarh.
• Jorhat – Rowriah Airport: Connects Central Assam and nearby hill districts. Reference: AAI Jorhat.
• Silchar – Kumbhirgram Airport: Serves Barak Valley and southern Assam. Reference: AAI Silchar.
• Tezpur – Salonibari Airport: A civil enclave with periodic commercial services.
• Lilabari – North Lakhimpur Airport: Access to Arunachal border districts. Reference: AAI Lilabari.
• Rupsi Airport: Revived under regional connectivity; links western Assam. Reference: AAI Rupsi.

Arunachal Pradesh

• Donyi Polo Airport (Itanagar/Hollongi): The state capital’s primary airport; improving links to Guwahati and metro cities.
• Pasighat Airport: UDAN-linked regional services. Reference: AAI Pasighat.
• Tezu Airport: Newer terminal supporting regional connectivity. Reference: AAI Tezu.

Manipur

• Imphal – Bir Tikendrajit International Airport (International): Northeast India’s eastern gateway with direct links to major Indian cities. Reference: AAI Imphal.

Meghalaya

• Shillong Airport (Umroi): Turboprop services to Kolkata and regional hubs. Reference: AAI Shillong.

Mizoram

• Aizawl – Lengpui Airport: Primary access to Mizoram; links commonly include Kolkata and Guwahati.

Nagaland

• Dimapur Airport: Connects Nagaland to Guwahati/Kolkata and onward networks. Reference: AAI Dimapur.

Tripura

• Agartala – Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport (International): Modern terminal and growing domestic/international footprint. Reference: AAI Agartala.

Sikkim

• Pakyong Airport (near Gangtok): Hilltop airport with weather-dependent operations. Reference: AAI Pakyong.

International airports in Northeast India

1. Guwahati (Assam) – Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport: Primary international hub; check AAI for facilities and routes.
2. Imphal (Manipur) – Bir Tikendrajit International Airport: Strategic international gateway in India’s east; see AAI.
3. Agartala (Tripura) – Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport: International status with expanding connectivity; details at AAI.

India’s Bureau of Immigration maintains a current list of authorized international checkpoints across the country, including airports: boi.gov.in.

How to choose the right airport

• For broad connectivity: Start with Guwahati; it has the most flights, including connections to Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata.
• For Arunachal Pradesh: Itanagar (Donyi Polo) is closest to the capital; Pasighat/Tezu serve specific districts. Many travelers also connect via Dibrugarh or Lilabari in Assam.
• For Meghalaya: Shillong Airport offers regional links; Guwahati (about 120 km) is the common gateway with more frequency.
• For Sikkim: Pakyong serves Gangtok but can be weather-affected. Bagdogra (in West Bengal) is the consistent alternative with onward road transfers.
• For remote districts: UDAN routes can be the fastest option; verify seasonal schedules in advance.

Travel notes and tips

• Weather and terrain: Fog, low visibility, and crosswinds can impact schedules at hill airports. Keep buffer time for connections.
• UDAN and regional connectivity: Under MoCA’s UDAN program, several routes in the region are subsidized to improve access; see civilaviation.gov.in for policy updates.
• Permits: Some states require Inner Line Permits (e.g., Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram). Check the respective state portals before travel.

Conclusion: plan smarter with a clear list of airports in North East India

From Guwahati’s extensive network to hill gateways like Pakyong and Donyi Polo, this list of airports in North East India helps you match your itinerary to the right hub. Use the AAI pages and airline websites to confirm current routes, and build in extra time during the monsoon and winter for the smoothest trip across the Seven Sister States and Sikkim.

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