Airport panel takes up facelift, flight connectivity issues at Dimapur Airport

DIMAPUR — From clogged runways to flight cancellations and waste piling up near the terminal, the Airport Advisory Committee meeting chaired by Lok Sabha MP S Supongmeren Jamir on October 31 zeroed in on a host of issues affecting Dimapur Airport—Nagaland’s lone air gateway—and charted steps to make it cleaner, better connected, and more passenger-friendly.

A press statement on Sunday stated that the committee discussed measures to improve passenger facilities, transport and cab services, and streamline parking arrangements, while also focusing on sanitation and the overall upkeep of the airport and its surroundings.

The committee expressed concern over the dumping and accumulation of waste in the vicinity of the airport and decided to seek the assistance of the district administration, police, ward authorities and village councils to address the issue.

To promote local culture and entrepreneurship, the committee recommended increasing the number of gift shops featuring Naga indigenous products within the airport premises.

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It also suggested that the interiors of the terminal be decorated with traditional motifs and designs reflecting Naga heritage.

Other key issues discussed included the requisition of land for airport expansion, improvement of drainage systems, and ensuring uninterrupted water and power supply.

The committee further recommended the installation of a medical team and an ambulance within the airport for emergency situations, and decided to request the concerned departments of the state government to take necessary steps.

The re-introduction of the regional connectivity scheme (RCS)—involving small aircraft services linking Imphal, Dimapur, Guwahati and other nearby cities—was also discussed. The committee agreed to seek the state government’s intervention to revive the service.

Another major issue raised was the recurring waterlogging and flooding of the runway, which often leads to flight delays and cancellations.