Guide to Reaching Itanagar by Air: Closest Airports and Connectivity

The northeastern part of India is known for its scenic splendor and the picturesque town of Itanagar is one of the most beautiful places in Arunachal Pradesh. It offers cultural, educational and business tourism. Now, traveling to Itanagar is both easier and efficient, as air routes have opened up.

For a long time now, Itanagar lacked both the infrastructure and airports which meant that travelers had to undergo long commutes just to reach the place, but things have now changed with the improvement of Donyi Polo Airport. This guide focuses on providing all the required information which will aid travelers in all their travel aspirations, covering all flights, trains, local transport, and the provided airports.

Overview: Where is Itanagar?

• Location: Covered in both the foothills and the western side of Arunachal Pradesh
• Altitude: 440 meters above sea level
• Nearby cities: Naharlagun, North Lakhimpur, Banderdewa
• Distance from assam border: 25 km of banderdewa

Itanagar lacks the infrastructure which places it at a major disadvantage as It’s to the North East of Assam and This has drastically placed a barrier on the accessibility to both air and roads for people who come from other regions.

Closest Airport: Donyi Polo Airport, Hollongi (HGI)

Quick Facts:

• Location: Hollongi ,Approximately 14 kilometers from Itanagar
• Airport Code: HGI
• Operational Since: October 2022
• Type: A greenfield airport that is meant to be the primary aviation center for western Arunachal Pradesh.

Itanagar can now be reached by air in the least amount of time, safest, and most conveniently.

Key Features of Donyi Polo Airport:

• 2,300 meter long runway able to serve an Airbus A320.
• Above 200 passenger modern terminal building
• Lush hilly and forested regions provide a scenic backdrop.
• Eco-friendly and Earthquake resistant
• To support future upgrades for international standards.

3. Flights to Itanagar (Hollongi Airport)

Current Flight Connectivity (as of 2025):

Note: Always check real time updates on airline websites as the seasonal schedules and weather can impact the provided timings.

Airlines Operating at Hollongi:

• IndiGo Airlines is the leader in the Northeast with both direct and connecting flights.
• Alliance Air services regions such as Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Pasighat.

4. Traveling from Hollongi Airport to Itanagar City

After you’ve landed at Hollongi airport, reaching itanagar could not be easier.

• Distance: ~14–15 km
• Travel Time: 30 – 45 mins (depending on traffic and weather)

Available Transport Options:

a. Prepaid Taxi Service (Inside Airport)

• Operated by local transport union
• Fixed rates as per government-approved chart
• Approx. Cost: ₹400–₹600

b. App-Based Cabs (Limited Availability)

• These services are offered at a very small scale by Rapido, BOLT etc.
• Best to call your hotel to arrange pickups in advance.

c. Shared Sumos / Tata Magic Vans

• Available at fixed points outside the arrport
• Budget option for solo travelers or backpackers.
• Fare: ₹100–₹200 per person

d. Pickup from hotel

• Most good hotels and guesthouses in Itanagar offer pickup service on request.
• Best option for business travel, groups, and tourists.

e. Fourn Alternate Airport Option: Lilabari Airport (IXI), Assam

If there are no flights available to Hollongi or they are too expensive or full, you can also consider flying to Lilabari Airport in North Lakhimpur (Assam).

Details:

• You can find it 65 kilometers away from Itanagar.
• IXI is the airport code.
• Airlines operating there is Alliance Air.
• Flights operating from Kolkata and Guwahati have flights on certain selected days.
• Taxi’s to Itanagar are available for 1500 to 2000 rupees and take 2 to 2 and a half hours.
• Shared sumos are available from North Lakhimpur stand for 300 to 400 rupees per person.
• There is a bus which is less frequented (Assam to Banderdewa) which requires a local transfer.

Why Lilabari?

• Helpful if you are already located in Assam or nearby regions.
• Might have cheaper tickets than direct flights to Itanagar.

What about Dibrugarh Airport (DIB)?

This is located in Assam as well, but further away than Hollongi and Lilabari. 300 kilometers east of Itanagar. Use case for this is if you plan on visiting the eastern side of Arunachal (Roing, Tezu, Pasighat). Not ideal for traveling to Itanagar due to the lengthy drive.

Seasonal Considerations for Air Travel to Itanagar.

Travel Tips

• Be sure the booked flight is in the morning.
• Wear like jackets during the summer as the airports and flights tend to be chilly.
• If travelling in monsoon seasons be sure to add an extra travel day buffer.

8. ILP – Inner Line Permit for Air Travelers

Indian citizens require an ILP (Inner Line Permit) to travel to Arunachal Pradesh even if they are flying into the state.

Steps to Get ILP:

1. Apply Online: http://www.arunachalilp.com
2. Upload: Picture and ID proof
3. Processing Time: 1-2 working days
4. Validity: Generally issued for 15 days with options of extension.
5. Carry: Multiple soft copies and prints are essential for documentation checks.
6. Checkpoints: ILP will be verified at the airport or during the city stay (hotels, transport, etc).

Foreign Nationals: Apply for Protected Area Permit (PAP) – consult with MEA/Govt of India.

9. Direct Flights vs Connecting Flights: Which is Better?

10. Services and Facilities Provided at Hollongi Airport

As small as the airport may be, it still has the following essential components:

• Dashboards for flight updates
• Smart monitors and traditional screens display boarding and departure information.
• Luggage claim sections
• Washing rooms and air conditioned lounges for travelers.
• Mobile device charging stations
• Kiosks offering light refreshments
• Tourist Help desks (assisting with local tourism)

Still no large cafes and food courts, so eat before departure is ideal for those on evening flights.

11. Itanagar Airport Development Plans (In Progress)

The Itanagar Airport expansion plans consider the:

• Introduction of new direct connections from Bangalore, Delhi, and Hyderabad.
• Upgrading of the airport runway.
• Installation for the development of local cargo services.
• Addition of helicopter services to Tawang, Ziro, and Pasighat.

Thus, Itanagar will be a major hub for onwards travel to Tawang, Ziro, Mechuka, and other beautiful places in Arunachal, facilitating their exploration from Itanagar.

12. Flight Booking Tips

• Reserve about 3–4 weeks prior for holidays like Diwali, Christmas, or Nyokum.

Best Platforms:

• MakeMyTrip
• Yatra
• Cleartrip
• IndiGo or Alliance Air websites

Don’t forget to utilize applicable student or senior discounts. Check ILP eligibility for trains before booking.

13. Sample Travel Itineraries Using Flights

Option 1: Short Weekend Trip (3 Days)

• Day 1: Kolkata to Itanagar flight in the morning.
• Day 2: Sightseeing in Itanagar includes Ganga Lake, Gompa, and local cuisine.
• Day 3: Flight back or drive to Ziro.

Option 2: Long Arunachal Circuit (7–10 Days)

• Day 1: itnagar via Hollongi.
• Day 2-3: Drive to Ziro.
• Day 4-5: Dirang.
• Day 6-7: Tawang.
• Day 8-9: Itanagar then fly out.

14. Final Thoughts: Best Amtrac Aviate travel access itankar?

Yes, it is after the functional Hollongi airport.

Pros:

• Time and energy efficient.
• Business and tourist friendly.
• Gateway for Western Arunachal tourism.
• Infrastructure supportive, safe, and scenic.

For work, relaxation, or an adventurous circuit in the North East, smoother access to Itanagar makes flying preferred.

Zogyy Travel Tip

“First-time travelers flying into Hollongi Airport, I recommend a window seat. You’ll see a stunning sight of the vast forest, winding rivers, and cascading green hills.”