Agartala, Sept 02: In a major boost for trade and tourism between India and Bangladesh, the much-awaited international air connectivity between Agartala and Chittagong will begin from September 17 next, according to the Airport Authority of India (AAI).

Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport, Agartala will have direct air connectivity with Chittagong through a new flight service commencing on September 17, the AAI announced in its official Twitter handle on Thursday.

The new flight service commencing on the occasion of Viswakarma Puja will be a major gift for the people of Tripura ahead of Durga Puja following the sincere efforts of double-engine government.

A high-level meeting was recently chaired by Chief Minister of Tripura Dr.Manik Saha for the planned launch of Agartala-Chittagong flight.

In the meeting, the Chief Minister had instructed all stakeholders to take necessary measures in advance to ensure smooth operations at the Airport.

This international flight service will benefit Tripura to a great extent, particularly in trade and tourism.

The flight will be operated by SpiceJet, and will be a direct, non-stop service. The flight will depart from Agartala at 10:00 AM and arrive in Chittagong at 11:30 AM. The return flight will depart from Chittagong at 12:30 PM and arrive in Agartala at 02:00 PM, according to reports.

Meanwhile, apart from the international air connectivity, Tripura is also set to connected in the international railway map with inauguration of Agartala- Akhaura rail link project soon. The connectivity developments will boost the trade and tourism in Tripura.