Synopsis
Mizoram's Chief Minister Lalduhoma announced that the state is drafting a Memorandum of Agreement to consider transferring the lone airport to the Indian Air Force. The Lengpui Airport, located north of Aizawl, has faced maintenance challenges prompting this decision amidst ongoing discussions with NGOs and the state cabinet.Key Takeaways
- Mizoram's only airport is Lengpui Airport.
- The government is drafting a Memorandum of Agreement to transfer it to the IAF.
- Recent allocation of Rs 86 crore for airport renovations.
- Consultations with NGOs regarding the transfer.
- Growing passenger traffic due to regional security concerns.
Aizawl, March 10 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Mizoram, Lalduhoma, announced on Monday that the state administration is in the process of drafting a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to potentially transfer the state's only airport to the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Lengpui Airport, constructed in 1998 and owned by the state government, is situated roughly 30 km north of Aizawl.
Responding to a query from K. Laldawngliana, an opposition member of the Mizo National Front (MNF), during the Assembly session, Lalduhoma mentioned that a working committee is currently formulating the MoA to oversee the maintenance and management of Lengpui Airport.
Once the draft of the MoA is completed, it will be presented to the state government, after which the cabinet will deliberate and reach a final decision, he elaborated.
Lalduhoma also indicated that discussions have taken place with multiple NGOs, including the NGO Coordination Committee (NGOCC), regarding this matter.
He informed the Assembly that the government has recently allocated Rs 86 crore for the renovation and enhancement of the runway and other essential development initiatives at the airport.
Moreover, the Chief Minister stated that the administration plans to broaden helicopter services throughout the state wherever deemed necessary.
The Chief Minister’s finance and planning adviser, T.B.C. Lalvenchhunga, previously noted that the government is exploring various avenues to modernize Lengpui Airport through collaboration with the IAF.
The proposal to transfer the airport to the IAF has been a contentious issue in this border state for several years.
Lalvenchhunga, who is also an MLA, asserted that previous administrations, including the Mizo National Front (MNF) and Congress, have attempted multiple times to hand over the airport to different agencies due to maintenance difficulties and financial burdens.
The influential NGOCC, led by the prominent Young Mizo Association (YMA), had earlier urged the Chief Minister not to transfer Lengpui Airport to the IAF.
The Mizoram Civil Aviation Department has generated over Rs 13.44 crore from Lengpui Airport within the last 10 months of the 2024-2025 fiscal year. However, the state administration cited a significant financial loss in operating the airport, prompting its willingness to transfer it to the IAF or another organization.
Given the ongoing ethnic tensions in the neighboring state of Manipur, a substantial number of travelers from that region prefer Lengpui Airport over Imphal Airport for security reasons when traveling to other parts of the country. Various flights connecting Guwahati, Kolkata, and New Delhi operate from Lengpui Airport. State government officials indicate that the average daily passenger traffic is around 700 arrivals and departures.
