Arunachal Pradesh’s aviation landscape is set for a major transformation as the Donyi Polo Airport, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2022, completes its Phase-I development and gears up for an ambitious Phase-II expansion. Officials say the project not only strengthens regional connectivity but also represents a milestone in the state’s journey towards modern infrastructure. The airport, located in the capital region, has already become operational and is playing a key role in linking Arunachal Pradesh to the rest of the country. Currently, it records nearly 40 scheduled domestic flights every week, with airlines such as IndiGo and Alliance Air providing services to major destinations including Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, and Tezu. Built to handle one million passengers annually, the airport is fast emerging as a crucial hub for travel and trade in the Northeast. The first phase, completed on November 10, 2022, laid the foundation for the project’s success. A 2,300-metre-long runway was constructed, capable of handling aircraft like Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s, alongside apron facilities and helicopter stands.
To ensure safety and efficiency, two taxiways, isolation bays, and dedicated ground equipment areas were also developed. Executed by M/s Dineshchandra R Agrawal Infracon Pvt. Ltd. at a cost of ₹508.67 crore, Phase-I also included a 2,000 square metre interim terminal building built by M/s Western Outdoor Structures Pvt. Ltd. This facility, with its tensile fabric roof and modern passenger amenities, can handle 200 passengers per hour and was completed at an additional cost of ₹25.84 crore. Since opening, it has provided a seamless travel experience to thousands of passengers, offering facilities that rival those of larger airports. The focus now shifts to Phase-II, which promises to further elevate the airport’s capacity and services. At the heart of this expansion is a new 4,100 square metre terminal building costing ₹79.72 crore, designed to offer state-of-the-art passenger amenities. A new Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower and technical block, estimated at ₹30.55 crore, will significantly improve operational efficiency and air safety.
Other works include the construction of a fire station, a mechanical transport workshop, covered kerbside lanes for smooth passenger movement, and modern baggage handling systems. The expansion plan also accounts for residential colonies, medical centres, transit hostels, and navigation aids such as DVOR, ensuring the airport can function as a fully equipped aviation hub. Parking facilities are being upgraded as well, with space for 100 vehicles in the initial phase and provision for an additional 200 as demand grows. Executed by M/s Universal Contractors & Engineers Pvt. Ltd., the Phase-II works are expected to be completed by July 15, 2025, at a total cost of ₹195.57 crore.
