Airline participation key to Kailashahar airport revival: Nehra
Sep 16, 2026
The long-awaited reopening of Kailashahar Airport could hinge on whether airlines are ready to launch regular services from the facility, Agartala MBB Airport Director K. M. Nehra said on Wednesday.
The airport in Unakoti district has remained out of operation for over three decades. While efforts are underway to assess the possibility of restoring air connectivity, airline interest is emerging as one of the key factors in deciding the airport's future, officials said.
Nehra said the state government is currently examining the requirements for bringing the airport back into service. The nature and scale of development, he indicated, would ultimately depend on the type of aircraft and services airlines are prepared to operate.
A major challenge is land availability. Around 205 acres of additional land may be required for the proposed expansion, officials said. The additional land would facilitate runway expansion and the development of supporting infrastructure required for safe and efficient flight operations.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has already inspected the airport, reviving hopes of its reopening among residents and business communities in northern Tripura. The inspection has also renewed calls for improved air connectivity to the region.
For residents of Kailashahar and adjoining areas, the airport's revival is seen as a potential boost to regional connectivity. Local stakeholders believe regular flights could reduce travel time to Agartala and other parts of the state while creating new opportunities for tourism, trade and business.
However, the proposed revival still faces several hurdles. Apart from securing the required land, authorities will have to address infrastructure requirements, obtain necessary regulatory clearances and, most importantly, ensure that airlines are willing to operate scheduled services.
Officials said discussions with the AAI and potential airline operators are likely to continue as the state government evaluates the feasibility of reopening the airport.
For now, the future of Kailashahar Airport remains tied to two critical requirements, adequate infrastructure and a willing airline operator.
