{"id":299366,"date":"2025-10-03T10:00:54","date_gmt":"2025-10-03T10:00:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tripxl.com\/blog\/?p=299366"},"modified":"2025-10-03T10:00:54","modified_gmt":"2025-10-03T10:00:54","slug":"airports-in-north-east","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tripxl.com\/blog\/airports-in-north-east\/","title":{"rendered":"Explore 12 Airports In North East India For Smooth Travel And Convenient Connections"},"content":{"rendered":"

Airports in North East India are essential for making travel faster and easier across this remote and hilly region. While scenic, road and rail options are often slow and limited. Airports like Guwahati, Imphal, Aizawl, and Dibrugarh now serve as vital hubs, connecting remote towns to major cities. Stunning locations like Pakyong and Lengpui offer unforgettable landings amidst mountains. These airports support not just tourism but also urgent needs like medical travel, education, and jobs. They turn multi-day journeys into short flights, making the Northeast more accessible than ever.<\/em><\/p>\n

12 Airports In North East<\/h2>\n

Airports in North East India offer quick access to remote states, linking travellers to major cities, scenic landscapes, and important cultural and business hubs.<\/p>\n

1. Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati<\/h3>\n
\"Airplane<\/div>\n

Photo: Rocker Sta \/ Unsplash \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) in Guwahati is the busiest airport in the Northeast and the main entry point for most travellers. Named after Assam\u2019s first Chief Minister, it operates domestic flights to Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Mumbai and a few international routes, including Bangkok and Paro. The airport is being upgraded, with a large new terminal under construction to handle the growing passenger numbers. Inside, travellers find plenty of basics, caf\u00e9s, small restaurants, lounges, duty-free shops, prepaid taxi counters, and car rentals. Because multiple airlines use Guwahati as a base, it has the most frequent flight connections in the region.<\/p>\n

Connectivity:<\/strong> Domestic + limited international (Bangkok, Paro)
\nFacilities:<\/strong> Lounges, food courts, duty-free, car rentals<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Places To Visit In Guwahati<\/a><\/p>\n

2. Bir Tikendrajit International Airport, Imphal<\/h3>\n
\"An<\/div>\n

Photo: Bao Menglong \/ Unsplash \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

Bir Tikendrajit Airport in Imphal is Manipur\u2019s busiest, and after Guwahati, the second most used in the Northeast. Located only 8 kilometres from Imphal, it links the state capital with Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Guwahati, and other key cities. The airport takes its name from Bir Tikendrajit, a Manipuri prince and freedom fighter remembered for his role in the Anglo-Manipur War. In recent years, services have expanded to include a few international connections, mostly to Southeast Asia, which adds to its role as a regional link. The terminal itself is modest but functional, with waiting areas, small food outlets, and basic shops.<\/p>\n

Connectivity:<\/strong> Domestic + limited international routes
\nFacilities:<\/strong> Waiting lounges, food outlets, prepaid taxis<\/p>\n

3. Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport, Agartala<\/h3>\n
\"IndiGo<\/div>\n

Photo: Kingshuk Mondal \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

Around 12 km outside Agartala, you\u2019ll find Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport (IXA), the state\u2019s main airport. It connects the state with Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Guwahati, giving travellers easy access in and out of the region. The airport was named after Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya, remembered for his role in shaping modern Tripura. A new integrated terminal has recently opened, built to handle the growing number of passengers. Inside the terminal are waiting halls, a few food counters, and small shops. It\u2019s not on the scale of a metro airport, but the newer spaces have made things less cramped.<\/p>\n

Connectivity:<\/strong> Domestic flights to major metros
\nFacilities:<\/strong> Modern terminal, food courts, lounges, shopping<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Discover Enchanting Places To Visit In Agartala For A Peaceful Retreat<\/a><\/p>\n

4. Donyi Polo Airport, Itanagar<\/h3>\n
\"Interior<\/div>\n

Photo: Phil Mosley \/ Unsplash \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

Donyi Polo Airport (HGI) opened in 2022 at Hollongi, about 15 kilometres from Itanagar, and became the first major airport in Arunachal Pradesh. Until then, most travel into the state meant long road trips or helicopter hops. The airport\u2019s name comes from \u201cDonyi\u201d (Sun) and \u201cPolo\u201d (Moon), central to the traditional faith of the region. Built as a greenfield project, the terminal is modern but simple, with lounges, food counters, and straightforward check-in areas. IndiGo and Alliance Air run flights to cities such as Kolkata, Mumbai, and Guwahati, which have cut travel time sharply. Its location makes it a practical base for reaching Tawang, Ziro Valley, and other well-known spots in Arunachal.<\/p>\n

Connectivity:<\/strong> Flights to Kolkata, Mumbai, Guwahati
\nFacilities:<\/strong> Spacious terminal, eateries, taxi services<\/p>\n

5. Dimapur Airport, Nagaland<\/h3>\n
\"Waiting<\/div>\n

Photo: Oskar Kadaksoo \/ Unsplash \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

Dimapur Airport (DMU) is the only civilian airport in Nagaland, about 7 kilometres from Dimapur town and 70 kilometres from Kohima, the state capital. For years, it has been the main way in and out of the state, where road journeys often take much longer. Flights run to Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, and Imphal, mostly with IndiGo and Air India. Facilities are limited, a few seats, some snack counters, taxis waiting outside, but for most travellers, it\u2019s enough. Its location makes it useful not just for visitors heading to Nagaland\u2019s well-known sites, the Hornbill Festival at Kisama, the historic village of Khonoma, or the Dzukou Valley trek, but also for travellers coming from nearby parts of Assam and Manipur.<\/p>\n

Connectivity:<\/strong> Domestic flights to Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati
\nFacilities:<\/strong> Lounges, food stalls, taxi services<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Places To Visit In Nagaland<\/a><\/p>\n

6. Lengpui Airport, Aizawl<\/h3>\n
\"Passengers<\/div>\n

Photo: Bodhisattwa \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

Lengpui Airport (AJL) lies about 32 kilometres from Aizawl and is the only airport in Mizoram. Opened in 1998, it is unusual in India because it was built and is maintained by the state government. The airport is surrounded by hills, and its table-top runway makes for landings that can be tricky but memorable. Flights connect Aizawl with Kolkata, Guwahati, and Imphal, mainly through IndiGo and Alliance Air. The terminal is small. There\u2019s a hall to wait in, a couple of food stalls, and taxis lined up for the ride to town. While it doesn\u2019t have the scale of larger airports, it works well for the volume of passengers passing through.<\/p>\n

Connectivity:<\/strong> Regular flights to Kolkata, Guwahati, Imphal
\nFacilities:<\/strong> Waiting lounges, food kiosks, taxis<\/p>\n

7. Pakyong Airport, Gangtok<\/h3>\n
\"Departure<\/div>\n

Photo: Belinda Fewings \/ Unsplash \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

Pakyong Airport (PYG), about 31 kilometres from Gangtok, is the first airport built in Sikkim and began operations in 2018. At 4,646 feet above sea level, it is one of the highest airports in India and sits on a tabletop ridge surrounded by hills. For years, travellers relied on Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal and then long road journeys into Sikkim. With Pakyong, flights now connect directly to Kolkata and Delhi through IndiGo, giving the state a quicker option. Weather can still be an issue; fog and poor visibility often cause delays or cancellations, but when flights land on schedule, they save hours of travel.<\/p>\n

Connectivity:<\/strong> Domestic flights to Kolkata and Delhi
\nFacilities:<\/strong> Basic terminal with food stalls, car rentals<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Incredible Places To Visit In Gangtok For A Fun Trip<\/a><\/p>\n

8. Shillong Airport, Meghalaya<\/h3>\n
\"ATR72<\/div>\n

Photo: \u0906\u0936\u0940\u0937_\u092d\u091f\u0928\u093e\u0917\u0930 \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

Shillong Airport (SHL), or Umroi Airport, lies about 30 kilometres from the city. It is smaller than most airports in the North East but remains useful for direct flights into Meghalaya. At present, IndiGo and Alliance Air operate services mainly to Kolkata and Guwahati. The runway sits on a table-top ridge surrounded by hills, which makes the approach dramatic but also limits the types of aircraft that can land here. Facilities are basic: a waiting hall, a couple of kiosks, and taxis outside for the trip into town. Many travellers still prefer Guwahati Airport for wider flight options, yet Umroi has become a time-saver for those who want to avoid the long road journey.<\/p>\n

Connectivity:<\/strong> Flights to Kolkata and Guwahati
\nFacilities:<\/strong> Lounges, limited food counters, taxi services<\/p>\n

9. Silchar Airport, Assam<\/h3>\n
\"An<\/div>\n

Photo: emanuviews \/ Unsplash \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

Silchar Airport (IXS) is about 26 km from the town and handles most of the flights in southern Assam. It connects the Barak Valley with Kolkata, Guwahati, and Delhi through flights mostly operated by IndiGo and Air India. The airport is also used by travellers from neighbouring Mizoram, Manipur, and Tripura, making it an important link for the wider region. Facilities are modest: a passenger lounge, a few food stalls, and basic transport options like taxis and buses into town. While it\u2019s not a large terminal, it manages steady traffic and keeps travel practical for those flying in and out of the valley.<\/p>\n

Connectivity:<\/strong> Domestic flights to Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati
\nFacilities:<\/strong> Passenger lounge, food stalls, shopping kiosks<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Places To Visit In Assam<\/a><\/p>\n

10. Dibrugarh Airport, Assam<\/h3>\n
\"Staircase<\/div>\n

Photo: FOX ^.\u11bd.^= \u222b \/ Pexels \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

Dibrugarh Airport (DIB), known locally as Mohanbari Airport, lies about 15 kilometres from town and is among the oldest airports in the Northeast. It links Upper Assam and parts of Arunachal Pradesh with Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, and Bengaluru through regular flights, mostly operated by IndiGo and Air India. Called the \u201cTea City of India,\u201d Dibrugarh depends on its airport to stay linked with other regions. The terminal is plain, with waiting space, some snack kiosks, baggage counters, and taxis parked out front. While modest in scale, it handles steady passenger traffic and remains practical for daily travel. From here, travellers can reach nearby destinations such as Tinsukia, Digboi, or the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park.<\/p>\n

Connectivity:<\/strong> Flights to Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Guwahati
\nFacilities:<\/strong> Lounges, eateries, prepaid taxis<\/p>\n

11. Jorhat Airport, Assam<\/h3>\n
\"Airplanes<\/div>\n

Photo: Pixabay \/ Pexels \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

Jorhat Airport (JRH), or Rowriah Airport, sits about 7 kilometres from the town and is one of the main air links for Upper Assam. It connects the tea-growing region with Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati, with flights mostly operated by IndiGo and Alliance Air. Smaller than Guwahati or Dibrugarh, the airport is still useful for visitors heading to Kaziranga National Park or Majuli, the river island known for its monasteries. The terminal is modest, with a waiting lounge, food stalls, and taxi services that cover the basics. It isn\u2019t a large facility, but it keeps travel straightforward. Jorhat is often called the cultural capital of Assam, and the airport helps bring in tourists as well as serve local business needs tied to tea and trade.<\/p>\n

Connectivity:<\/strong> Flights to Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati
\nFacilities:<\/strong> Waiting lounges, food counters, taxis<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Places To Visit In Assam In September<\/a><\/p>\n

12. Lilabari Airport, North Lakhimpur<\/h3>\n
\"View<\/div>\n

Photo: Nayan j Nath \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

Lilabari Airport (IXI) is about 57 kilometres from North Lakhimpur in Assam and is one of the smaller airports in the region. Flights are limited, mostly to Guwahati and Kolkata, handled by Alliance Air, but for many, it\u2019s the nearest link to the outside world. Many flyers use the airport to reach Arunachal towns such as Ziro, Along, or Pasighat, places that draw visitors for cultural events and the hill views. Facilities are basic: a waiting hall, a few stalls for snacks, and taxis outside the terminal. While it doesn\u2019t match the bigger airports of Assam, Lilabari has value because of its location.<\/p>\n

Connectivity:<\/strong> Domestic flights to Kolkata and Guwahati
\nFacilities:<\/strong> Basic lounge, refreshment stalls, taxi services<\/p>\n

Airports in North East India have transformed how people move across this remote and hilly region. While Guwahati and Imphal handle most flights, new airports like Donyi Polo and Pakyong have shortened long road trips. These hubs support tourism, agriculture, education, and healthcare. For many, they\u2019re lifelines. Plan your journey with TripXL to make the most of routes, local tips, and smarter travel options across the Northeast.<\/em><\/p>\n

Cover Photo: Ivan Shimko \/ Unsplash \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Frequently Asked Questions <\/h2>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t