Aizawl, September 4, 2025: Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma attended the North East Region Minister’s Conference on Civil Aviation held today at the Dorjee Khandu Auditorium, Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Itanagar. The conference was organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, and brought together dignitaries including Union Minister for Civil Aviation Pu Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu, senior officials from the Civil Aviation Ministry, Chairman of the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Director General of Civil Aviation Asangba Chuba Ao, IAS, and other key stakeholders.
During the summit, Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma raised several important issues pertaining to aviation infrastructure and services in Mizoram. He highlighted the ongoing discussions regarding the management of Lengpui Airport, noting that while the Indian Air Force has submitted its proposal, the AAI’s formal proposal is awaited. AAI Chairman Pu Vipin Kumar conveyed that a final proposal is expected by late September following consultations with the Ministries of Home Affairs and Civil Aviation. The Chief Minister further pointed out that, in accordance with the Mizoram Land Revenue Act, 2013, the airport land could potentially be leased to AAI.
Emphasizing connectivity improvements, Pu Lalduhoma underscored the urgent need for Greenfield Airports in Lunglei and Champhai, which are expected to enhance regional access and socio-economic development. The Union Minister assured that a Pre-Feasibility Study would be initiated within a month by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER).
Regarding the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN), the Chief Minister informed that Pawan Hans Helicopter Services will soon commence operations on key routes such as Aizawl–Champhai, Aizawl–Lawngtlai, Aizawl–Parva, Aizawl–Silchar, and Aizawl–Churachandpur. He requested consideration to reassign the Aizawl–Parva route due to potentially low passenger demand, to which the Union Minister assured a review.
ALSO READ: Northeast India Records Highest Cancer Incidence, Study Reveals
The conference also covered innovative proposals for seaplane services at select locations in Mizoram, with the Ministry agreeing to explore these through a Pre-Feasibility Study. Chief Minister Lalduhoma additionally stressed the need to address high airfare costs, particularly on the Aizawl–Kolkata route, requesting more competitive pricing and increased flight frequencies on major routes. The Ministry committed to discussions with airline operators including IndiGo.
Highlighting Mizoram’s abundant horticulture produce, the Chief Minister called for the establishment of a Cargo Hub and Cold Storage Facility at Lengpui Airport to boost export potential. The Union Minister confirmed that this proposal would be considered during the AAI’s operational takeover of the airport.
The summit’s inaugural session included keynote addresses by Union Minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu. The event featured interactive sessions with Ministry officials and engagements with aviation industry representatives, aiming to catalyze advancements in regional air connectivity and infrastructure.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma was accompanied by Pu Lalrohlua, Director of the GAD Aviation Wing. As part of the visit, the Chief Minister is scheduled to visit Ziro Valley, hosted by Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Minister Pu Gabriel Wangsu.
