In yet another significant milestone in the aviation history of Arunachal Pradesh, budget carrier Indigo Airbus A320 today completed its maiden flight test landing at the newly built Donyi Polo airport in Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh.
According to sources, the air connectivity in Arunachal Pradesh will start very soon and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the airport on 28 October, which the PM has laid the foundation stone for the construction of greenfield airport during his third visit to the state in February 2019.
Apart from promoting tourism, the airport is also essential for the security of Arunachal as the state shares an international border of 1160 km with China as well as Bhutan and Myanmar. The successful landing of Indigo Airline's test flight is a new beginning of connectivity as Delhi will no longer be far from Itanagar, following which both national and international tourists will arrive in the state.
Expressing his views on the development, Arunachal Chief Minister Pema Khandu tweeted, “Glad to share the @IndiGo6E flight had a successful test landing at Donyi Polo Airport, Itanagar today. A milestone moment as we are doing everything possible to make travel easier in our state. Thank you all for your contribution in making people's lives easier. Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who was among the first to share the information on social media, described the test as a "historic milestone".
State Aviation Minister Nakap Nalo also expressed happiness over the "historic" development. He said that once the airport is operational, the tourism sector of the state would be greatly benefited as it would be easier for international and domestic tourists to reach Arunachal Pradesh.
The first flight test landing at the airstrip was performed by the Airports Authority of India on 19 July, when a Dornier aircraft manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited landed at the airport.
State PHED Minister Wangki Lowang has also expressed his view over the government's development on Twitter and tweeted, "The moment we are waiting for has finally here! It is a moment of great pride to share this successful test landing of the @IndiGo6E flight at Donyi Polo airport, Itanagar today. Govt's ensuring ease of travelling for the people has finally achieved".