The recent announcement of the planned closure of Tezpur Airport for 18 months starting October 1, 2024, has sent shockwaves through North Assam’s business and civic communities. The North Assam Chamber of Commerce & Industry, along with several other NGOs, has appealed to Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Honorable Chief Minister of Assam, to reconsider this decision.
Tezpur Airport, which began operations after significant efforts by local organizations, has become a vital link for the entire North Bank of Brahmaputra, including parts of Arunachal Pradesh and several districts of Assam. The airport has not only improved connectivity for the region but has also been crucial for the World Heritage Site Kaziranga National Park.
The current flight operations by Spice Jet and Alliance Air to Kolkata and other routes have been witnessing high occupancy rates, demonstrating the airport’s importance to the local population. Plans were also underway to commence cargo services, which would have significantly boosted trade and commerce in the region.
Tezpur’s strategic importance cannot be overstated. As the headquarters of Sonitpur District, it houses key installations such as the Army 4 Corps Unit and 11 Wing Air Force Unit. The city is also home to numerous educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and industries, including Tezpur Medical College Hospital, Tezpur University, and manufacturing units of companies like Patanjali Ayurved and Dabur.
The appeal letter suggests that alternatives to a complete shutdown may be possible. It mentions that Alliance Air’s Dornier Aircraft and potentially Spice Jet’s ATR Aircraft could operate from the emergency runway while the main runway undergoes maintenance.
The closure of Tezpur Airport is expected to cause significant inconvenience not only to the general public but also to defense, educational, and commercial entities operating in the region. The North Assam Chamber of Commerce & Industry, along with nine other local NGOs, has urged the Chief Minister to explore options for partial closure that would allow continued operations during the maintenance period.
