Agartala, June 13: The Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport in Agartala, equipped with modern infrastructure, is fully prepared to handle international flight operations, Airport Director Kishan Mohan Nehra said on Saturday.
He added that the airport continues to upgrade its infrastructure and passenger services in line with growing air traffic demand and future expansion plans, including the possibility of international flight connectivity.
Addressing a press conference, Nehra highlighted the significant growth in passenger traffic and aviation services at the airport over the past 12 years. He said annual passenger footfall has nearly doubled from 8.09 lakh in 2014-15 to around 15 lakh in the 2025-26 financial year.
The number of aircraft movements has also increased substantially, rising from approximately 7,000 flights in 2014-15 to 12,000 flights in 2025-26. At present, the airport handles around 34 flight movements daily, he added.
The Airport Director informed the media that a new cargo service has recently been introduced at the airport. Agartala is currently connected by direct flights to Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi, Bengaluru, Imphal, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Chennai. He also noted that IndiGo Airlines has recently launched direct flight services between Agartala and Jaipur.
Discussions are also underway to introduce a direct air link between Agartala and Mumbai in the near future, Nehra said.
On the revival of Kailashahar Airport, he stated that the airport holds strategic importance for the region. To facilitate its reopening, the Airports Authority of India has sought 205 acres of land from the Tripura government.
Nehra further said that MBB Airport has emerged as one of the country's prominent airports and has significantly expanded passenger amenities in recent years. Facilities introduced for travellers included the DigiYatra system for seamless entry, four conveyor belts for faster baggage delivery, affordable food and drinking water outlets, free Wi-Fi, baby care rooms, complimentary sanitary napkins, and mobile charging stations.
Meanwhile, as part of the nationwide celebrations marking 12 years of the NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, MBB Airport will observe ‘Yatri Suvidha Diwas’ on June 15, alongside airports across the country.
Airport authorities have planned a series of passenger-centric activities throughout the day. Travelers will be welcomed with traditional tilak ceremonies, while senior citizens and elderly passengers will be honoured with ceremonial scarves. Cultural programmes featuring local folk music and dance performances, along with a blood donation camp, will also be organized.
Senior officials of the Airports Authority were also present at the press conference.