Donyi Polo Airport recognized as top airport under UDAN scheme

Donyi Polo Airport at Hollongi, Arunachal Pradesh, has been awarded the title of Best Airport under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme at the Wings India 2026 event in Hyderabad. This recognition highlights its role in boosting regional connectivity and strengthening Arunachal’s aviation footprint.

Key Details
- Award: Best Airport under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN).
- Event: Wings India 2026, Hyderabad.
- Presented by: Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu.
- Location: Hollongi, near Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh.
- Opened: Late 2022, developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

Why Donyi Polo Airport Stands Out
- Connectivity: Operates regular flights to Delhi and Kolkata, reducing travel time and improving accessibility for Arunachal Pradesh.
- Infrastructure: Modern facilities designed to handle growing passenger traffic in a remote region.
- Regional Impact: Strengthens tourism, trade, and socio-economic development in Northeast India.
- Symbolism: Named after Donyi Polo (Sun and Moon), reflecting Arunachal’s indigenous cultural heritage.

Significance of UDAN Recognition
- Boost to Regional Aviation: UDAN aims to make air travel affordable and widespread, especially in underserved regions.
- Strategic Importance: Enhances connectivity for border state Arunachal Pradesh, which has both security and development priorities.
- Tourism Growth: Easier access to destinations like Tawang, Ziro, and Namdapha National Park.
- Economic Development: Facilitates movement of goods and people, supporting local businesses and industries.