HT Correspondent
TEZPUR, July 17: Passengers traveling long distances by air from Tezpur-Salonibari Air Force Station will face disruption once again as flight services will be suspended from October 2024 to March 31, 2026. Director of Tezpur Airport Authority, G Shiva Kumar, confirmed to the media that due to the airport’s role as an important airbase for the Indian Air Force, a major renovation project will commence in October this year to enhance defense aircraft operations.
Tezpur Airport, also known as Salonibari Air Force Station, serves as both a domestic airport and air force station, located approximately 9 km from Tezpur town on a 22-acre site. The passenger terminal accommodates one Airbus and ATR-72 aircraft.
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Although primarily used for military purposes, the airport started passenger services in response to demands from the northern belt. SpiceJet initiated services from June 25, 2023, initially with three weekly flights from Tezpur to Kolkata. This was later expanded to daily flights operated by Alliance Air from Guwahati to Kolkata, with stops at Pachighat and Tezpur. Alliance Air continues to provide passenger services three days a week from Tezpur to Lilabari and Tezpur to Guwahati on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, facilitating connections to other destinations.
Local unemployed youths have also found employment through commercial vehicle services supporting airport access, which will be affected by the suspension.
During the renovation period, helicopter services may be permitted if requested by service providers. “Passenger services will resume after the renovation project is completed,” mentioned G Shiva Kumar.
