Itanagar gets new direct flight to Delhi, strengthening air connectivity

Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh — September 18, 2025 Arunachal Pradesh has taken a significant step to improve its air connectivity: the state capital Itanagar is now connected by a new direct flight to Delhi. This service, inaugurated by IndiGo, aims to bridge the distance between Arunachal Pradesh and the national capital and support both tourism and business travel. The flight, numbered 6E 765/766, will operate three days a week—Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays—adding to the existing schedule which already covers the other four days. The departure from Delhi is timed at 9:40 AM, arriving at Donyi Polo Airport (Itanagar) by 12:20 PM. The return journey (6E 766) departs Itanagar at 12:50 PM and lands in Delhi at 3:45 PM. The inaugural flight was celebrated in a ceremonious water cannon salute at Donyi Polo Airport. Passengers arriving in Itanagar were welcomed with traditional tikka and folk-dance performances. The airport authorities also marked the day by observing ‘Yatri Sewa Diwas’, including a tree-plantation drive, with presence of Education and Tourism Minister P. D. Sona, among others. State Civil Aviation Minister Balo Raja described the new flight as a “milestone” for Arunachal Pradesh, noting how crucial it is for integrating remote northeastern regions more tightly with the rest of the country. Better connectivity is expected to yield multiple benefits: improved access for students, business people, medical travellers; more tourists; easier supply of goods; and perhaps even lower travel costs due to competition and volume. There are also strategic and developmental implications: Arunachal Pradesh has rugged terrain and modest domestic infrastructure. Enhanced air links reduce dependency on challenging road travel, especially during monsoon or winter when many roads are vulnerable. Moreover, this flight helps to underscore the push by government authorities to develop infrastructure across the Northeast. It is part of a larger trend of expanding air services, improving regional airports, and making remote areas more accessible. Challenges remain: ensuring regularity of service, keeping fares affordable for locals, maintaining safety in difficult weather, and scaling ancillary infrastructure (airport handling, ground transportation) to match rising passenger volumes. Also, demand must be built among travellers so that the service is commercially viable. But today’s launch is a strong signal that Arunachal Pradesh is steadily pushing to overcome its connectivity isolation.