The Chief Minister's Office of Assam announced on Thursday, 2 July 2026 that Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma held a meeting with Union Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Ram Mohan Naidu in New Delhi to discuss accelerating the state's aviation infrastructure. The discussions covered the expansion of Rupsi Airport, a proposed new heliport in Haflong, and six greenfield airport projects across the state.

Context

The meeting centred on a broad push to deepen air connectivity across Assam, a state where hilly terrain and riverine geography make surface transport challenging. The Chief Minister's Office stated that talks focused on 'accelerating Assam's aviation sector,' with specific attention to both upgrading existing infrastructure and developing entirely new facilities.

Rupsi Airport, located in Dhubri district in western Assam, was identified as a priority for expansion to serve communities in that part of the state. A new heliport proposed for Haflong, the district headquarters of Dima Hasao, would improve access to one of Assam's more remote hill districts.

Policy Backdrop

The six proposed greenfield airports discussed are located at Silchar, Manas, Umrangso, Majuli, Diphu, and Charaideo. These sites span geographically diverse and strategically significant parts of Assam, from the Barak Valley in the south to the riverine island of Majuli in the northeast.

The proposals align with the Central government's UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme, launched in 2016, which aims to make air travel affordable and accessible across India's regions, with a particular focus on the Northeast. Assam has been part of multiple UDAN route rounds since 2017, connecting Guwahati and other existing airports to the national network.

The broader pattern across the Northeast has seen state governments coordinate with the Centre on greenfield airport projects and heliport development, recognising aviation as a lever for economic integration in terrain where road and rail connectivity remains limited.

Stakeholders and Impact

Residents across Assam's interior districts stand to benefit most directly if the proposed airports and heliport move toward construction. Districts such as Dima Hasao, Karbi Anglong (where Diphu is located), and the island district of Majuli currently rely almost entirely on road access, which can be severely disrupted during monsoon seasons.

The tourism sector is another key stakeholder. Sites such as Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the cultural landscape of Majuli could see significantly increased visitor numbers if direct air access becomes available. Aviation operators and logistics companies would also gain new route opportunities under the expanded network.

What's Next

The immediate steps to watch are Central and state budget allocations for the 2026-27 fiscal year and the announcement of tenders for the greenfield sites and the Rupsi expansion. Land acquisition and environmental clearances — particularly for ecologically sensitive sites near Manas and the riverine geography of Majuli — will be critical milestones before construction can begin.

If the political momentum from this high-level meeting translates into administrative action, Assam could see a significant reshaping of its internal connectivity map over the coming years, with implications for economic development, disaster response, and regional integration across the Northeast.