The Ministry of Civil Aviation successfully hosted the North East Region Ministers’ Conference on Civil Aviation 2025 and the 3rd North East Aviation Summit in Itanagar, bringing together key policymakers and industry leaders to chart the future of aviation-led growth in the region. Shri Pema Khandu, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, graced the event as Chief Guest, while Union Minister for Civil Aviation Shri Rammohan Naidu attended as Guest of Honour. Senior ministers from Mizoram, Sikkim, and Assam also participated, underlining the collective focus on connectivity and development in the North East.
In his inaugural remarks, Shri Pema Khandu highlighted the rapid progress made in aviation infrastructure over the last decade, crediting schemes like UDAN for fulfilling the long-cherished dream of airports in Arunachal Pradesh. He said that improved connectivity has become a catalyst for socio-economic transformation, reducing isolation and opening new avenues for growth. Union Minister Shri Rammohan Naidu stressed the importance of Centre-State-Industry partnerships, noting that aviation not only boosts tourism and trade but also strengthens border access, healthcare, and cargo logistics. He urged states to invest in tourism infrastructure and skill development to ensure that employment opportunities for youth grow alongside expanding infrastructure.
The Minister revealed that the number of operational airports in the North East has grown from nine in 2014 to sixteen at present, with aircraft movements nearly doubling and domestic passenger traffic tripling. To further support growth, the Centre will provide up to four pre-feasibility studies annually for new Greenfield airports at no cost, enabling states to plan future projects without financial burden. Discussions during the summit also brought forward the importance of heliports, cargo facilities, and new aviation technologies in boosting local trade, exports, and entrepreneurship. Industry stakeholders including airlines, MROs, cargo operators, and drone companies engaged in dialogues to identify investment opportunities and solutions for implementation challenges.
