Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport in Agartala processed nearly 1.5 million passengers during the 2025-26 financial year, officials confirmed on Wednesday, 16 September 2026. The airport, the second busiest in the Northeast region after Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBIA) in Guwahati, also secured sixth position nationally in the Customer Satisfaction Survey (CSS) — a ranking that reflects a sustained push on passenger amenities and service quality.

What the Rankings Signal

MBB Airport Director Krishan Mohan Nehra attributed the result to the airport's consistent investment in passenger comfort and operational reliability. 'To provide a comfortable, safe and hassle-free journey to every passenger, almost all modern facilities have been introduced and commissioned at the airport,' Nehra told reporters. The sixth-place finish in the CSS puts MBB Airport ahead of several larger metros in perceived service quality — a notable achievement for a Tier-2 Northeast hub.

Passenger Amenities and Technology

At the departure zone, travellers can use Digi Yatra for biometric swift entry, with dedicated check-in counters and baggage trolleys for smooth processing. The terminal also offers free Wi-Fi, mobile charging points, a Flight Information Display System (FIDS), and 'May I Help You' assistance desks. Retail and rest facilities include the Udan Yatri Cafe, AVSAR outlets, a Flybrary reading corner, and a dedicated Kidz Zone — amenities more commonly associated with metro airports.

Accessibility and Inclusive Infrastructure

The airport has made measurable strides in disability-inclusive infrastructure. Facilities include wheelchair access, dedicated accessible toilets, and tactile flooring for visually impaired passengers. Notably, 'May I Help You' staff and airline personnel have been trained in Indian Sign Language to assist passengers with hearing and speech disabilities — a relatively uncommon standard at regional airports. A telephone facility in the departure area allows passengers to request wheelchair assistance in advance.

Flight Safety and Operational Readiness

On the airside, MBB Airport is equipped with a Category-I Instrument Landing System (ILS), an Approach Lighting System, and a Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) to support aircraft operations in low-visibility conditions. Low Visibility Procedures (LVP) are also in place to ensure coordinated and safe operations during poor weather — critical for a region prone to monsoon disruptions. Aerobridge facilities are available at contact bays, and rear-door boarding is facilitated where operationally feasible to cut aircraft turnaround time.

Upcoming Campaigns and Government Initiatives

In line with directions from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), MBB Airport will observe the Swachhta Hi Seva campaign from 17 September to 2 October 2026, and the Yatri Sewa Abhiyan-2026 from 17 September to 10 October 2026. The campaigns will focus on cleanliness, passenger convenience, and service delivery under the themes of Seva, Swachhata, and Sahyog. The launch date coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday on 17 September, with the Tripura government separately marking a month-long campaign to commemorate his 25 years in governance and public life. The airport's trajectory positions it as a growing regional aviation hub, with passenger volumes and service metrics that could support a case for further capacity investment in the coming years.