Nestled in the northeastern corner of India, Arunachal Pradesh is a blend of rich and dense forests, majestic snow-capped mountains, tranquil monasteries, and varied tribal cultures. This region is not easy to access due to its remote and strategically bordering geography. However, air travel has been made significantly easier with new airports being built and better connectivity added under the UDAN regional air scheme.
If you plan to explore this uncharted frontier, this guide will help you navigate all the air travel options available so that you can reach Arunachal Pradesh in the most convenient way possible.
Is There an Airport in Arunachal Pradesh?
There are several functional airstrips and Arunachal Pradesh now has an operational airport. The full-fledged commercial airport was awarded in 2022 which has since then greatly aided regional connectivity.
The following air facilities currently serve passengers traveling to Arunachal Pradesh:
- Donyi Polo Airport, Itanagar (Hollongi)
- Tezu Airport
- Pasighat Airport
- Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs) in remote locations (limited civilian use)
1. Donyi Polo Airport, Itanagar (Hollongi Airport)
Location:
Donyi is located near Hollongi which is about 15kms from Itanagar, the state capital, in Papum Pare district.
Status:
Fully operational as a greenfield airport since November 2022.
Active Airlines:
IndiGo (currently the only airline with scheduled commercial flights)
Serviced Cities:
- Kolkata (daily direct flights)
- Mumbai (via Kolkata or seasonal connections)
- Guwahati, Bengaluru, and Delhi are projected based on UDAN expansion plans.
What Makes This Airport Valuable?
- Visits to Itanagar, Ziro, Bomdila, and western Arunachal can be easily conducted.
- The airport’s modern infrastructure equips it with multi-airline check-in counters and a terminal building, guaranteeing efficient processing. Further, it supports night landings.
- Offers the fastest and most direct access to Arunachal’s capital region.
2. Tezu Airport
Geographical Positioning:
Lying close to Lohit river, the airport is located in the Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh.
Current Operations:
Tezu Airport is functioning specifically with day-time flights and has a 1500 meter runway. Thus far, it falls under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme.
Operating Airlines:
- FlyBig
- Alliance Air
Connected Cities:
- Guwahati
- Imphal
- Jorhat
- Hollongi (inter-state routes)
Reason(s) to Utilize the Airport:
- Provides easy access to the sites like Tezu, Hayuliang, Wakro, and the Parashuram Kund pilgrim site.
- Ideal for tourists looking for the eastern circuits of the State.
- Longer queues for check-in as compared to other airports can be observed. Thus, the airport is quieter relative to others.
3. Pasighat Airport
Geographical Position:
Located in East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, it is also known as Pasighat town.
Current Operations:
Pasighat airport is one of the first civilian airports operational under UDAN in the state.
Active Airlines:
Alliance Air
Connected Cities:
Guwahati (regular flights)
Why Use This Airport?
- Provides the nearest air access to the central Arunachal areas of Aalo (Along), Mechuka, Tuting, and Yingkiong.
- Most ideal for adventure tourism, tribal circuit tours, and picturesque drives into the heart of Arunachal.
4. Airports in Assam (Gateway Airports)
Due to these operational airports, several portions of Arunachal Pradesh are still easier to reach through the gateway airports in Assam and then a long drive along the beautiful road.
Guwahati Airport (Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport)
- Ideal For: Western Arunachal (Tawang, Bomdila, Ziro)
- Distance to Bhalukpong (Entry Point for Arunachal): ~240 km
- Airlines: All major Indian airlines; international flights also available.
Dibrugarh Airport (Mohanbari Airport)
- Ideal For: Eastern Arunachal (Tezu, Roing, Anini Hayuliang).
- Distance from Tezu: ~150 km.
- Airlines: IndiGo, Air India, Alliance Air, SpiceJet.
Jorhat Airport
- Best accessible from: Central Arunachal, Pasighat and Ziro.
- Distance from Ziro: ~150 km (via North Lakhimpur).
Lilabari Airport (North Lakhimpur)
- Best accessible from Ziro and Itanagar.
- Airlines: Alliance Air operates flights from Kolkata and Guwahati.
- Strategically located near Banderdewa Gate, the Arunachal Entry Point.
Airport Options Summary
| Airport | Location | Suitable For | Airlines | Connected Cities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donyi Polo | Hollongi (itna) | Capital region, Ziro, Bomdila, Tawang | IndiGo | Kolkata, Mumbai |
| Tezu | Lohit District | Eastern Arunachal | FlyBig, Alliance | Guwahati, Imphal, Jorhat |
| Pasighat | East Siang | Central/Eastern Arunachal | Alliance Air | Guwahati |
| Dibrugarh | Assam | Roing, Tezu, Anini | multiple airlines | Delhi, Guwahati, Kolkata |
| Guwahati | Assam | All regions via road | Multiple airlines | Pan-India + international |
Guidelines for air travel to Arunachal Pradesh:
1. Early Booking
Given the limited frequency and availability of seats on flights to Arunachal airports, it is advisable to book 2–3 weeks in advance, especially during the peak tourist season from October to April.
2. ID Verification
While Indian citizens do not need a passport or visa to travel to Arunachal, an Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required. This document is usually checked during exit from the airport.
3. Weather Awareness
Visibility and rain during monsoon season (June to September) can impede flights. Always have a backup plan.
4. Local Transport
Most towns have an airport, but they are only reachable by road. Cabs might not be available on-demand. It is advisable to pre-book a vehicle or request pickup through hotels or guesthouses.
5. Connectivity & Networks
Weaker mobile networks are common at airports such as Tezu and Pasighat. The strongest network providers throughout the state are BSNL and Airtel. In remote areas, internet access can be sluggish.
Upcoming Air Connectivity: Bhogapuram Airport
Located outside of Arunachal Pradesh, the Bhogapuram Airport is being constructed as an international airport, which will aid tourism when completed. However, it has more relevance for regional planning in the long term.
Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Air Travelers
Indian citizens planning on flying into any airport in Arunachal (Hollongi, Tezu, or Pasighat) require an Inner Line Permit.
How to Obtain ILP:
- Fill out an application at www.arunachalilp.com
- An application can also be submitted in person at the Arunachal Bhavans located in Delhi, Guwahati, Shillong, and Kolkata.
- A government identification card is mandatory.
Validity of Permit:
- Permits are usually issued for a period of 15 to 30 days, and can be extended later.
- Choose the airport or gate for entry and provide a rough travel plan.
Ideal Period for Flying to Arunachal Pradesh
Tourism peak season is from October to April. May to June is warm with some tourists. July to September air travel is unreliable due to monsoons.
The recent introduction of flights to Arunachal Pradesh has greatly boosted tourism, the culture, and the economy of the area. It is now quite easy to access this stunning and remote region, thanks to the operational and continually developing airports in Hollongi (Itanagar), Tezu, and Pasighat. Even though you may still have to combine your flight with a drive to your final stop, the journey is rather picturesque.
Understanding local flight connections along with strategic local bookings will make air travel to Arunachal Pradesh seamless and unforgettable.
Safe travels! You now welcome to the land of the dawn-lit mountains.
