Ram Mohan Naidu Leads Civil Aviation Ministers’ Conference and North East Summit in Arunachal Pradesh

Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh – The Ministry of Civil Aviation today hosted the North East Region Ministers’ Conference on Civil Aviation 2025 alongside the 3rd North East Aviation Summit in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, setting the stage for transformative discussions on expanding air infrastructure and connectivity in the region.

The event saw the presence of Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu as key dignitaries. Ministers from Mizoram, Sikkim, Assam and senior officials of other North Eastern states also participated, underlining the importance of collective efforts to boost the sector.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu called aviation “the lifeline of development in the North East,” noting that the past decade has seen rapid progress with multiple airports being built in Arunachal Pradesh and beyond. Schemes like UDAN have significantly broadened access to air travel for citizens, turning long-standing aspirations into reality.

Union Minister Rammohan Naidu emphasized that civil aviation is no longer a luxury but an essential tool for development. He pointed out that the number of operational airports in the North East has grown from nine in 2014 to 16 today, with passenger traffic tripling during the same period. Enhanced air connectivity, he said, will unlock tourism, improve logistics and cargo facilities, and open employment opportunities for youth.

“You have not seen India until you have seen the North East,” he said, encouraging states to strengthen tourism infrastructure to complement the growing aviation network.

Mizoram Chief Minister  Lalduhoma stressed that aviation holds the key to bridging geographical isolation and integrating the region with national and global markets. Arunachal Pradesh’s Civil Aviation Minister Balo Raja highlighted how regional air links can transform trade by enabling faster export of horticulture and handicrafts.

Sikkim’s Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Tshering Bhutia urged for expedited operationalisation of Pakyong Airport, while Assam’s Minister  Jogen Mohan appreciated the Centre’s outreach and reiterated the state’s aviation priorities.

The Ministry announced four free pre-feasibility studies for Greenfield Airports every year for North Eastern states, encouraging them to plan new facilities without financial burden. Officials also showcased opportunities in helicopter emergency services, youth skilling, and airport development models.

Industry players—including airlines, MROs, drone firms, and cargo operators—joined the summit, facilitated by FICCI, to discuss investment and partnership opportunities.

Ahead of the conference, Minister Naidu and CM Khandu inaugurated the new terminal building at Donyi Polo Airport, which has boosted its handling capacity to 1 million passengers annually. Facilities such as the UDAN Yatri Café, a creche, and an AVSAR artisans’ shop were also unveiled.

The day concluded with a forward-looking note on Wings India 2026, to be held in Hyderabad next January, where India’s aviation progress and potential will be showcased on a global stage.