'Regional Connectivity Scheme' gets another wing in Northeast

Dibrugarh-Imphal direct flights introduced

GUWAHATI/DIBRUGARH/IMPHAL: The ambitious RCS (Regional Connectivity Scheme) of the Government of India has added another wing at AAI's (Airports Authority of India) Dibrugarh Airport in Assam.

On July 12, 2021, domestic carrier 'Indigo' started another flight yet under the 'RCS-UDAN' programme, in its schedule to Imphal. The Indigo flight number 6E 7948 is now connecting Kolkata and Imphal with Dibrugarh, daily. This flight will take around 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach Imphal from Dibrugarh.

The inaugural ceremony was held in the presence of Airport Director (Dibrugarh Airport) R. Awasthi; Assistant Commandant (CISF) Gautam and other Airport officials of AAI and Indigo along with a few of the first passengers.

Expressing his views on the inaugural flight, Airport Director R. Awasthi said that the increase in the number of flights along with connecting various destinations is making Dibrugarh Airport an aviation hub for travelers from around the country and the world. The RCS- UDAN scheme has added wings to the existing travel experience -- especially for the first-time travelers. Presently, there are a maximum of nine flights departing from Dibrugarh Airport, handling around 1,200 passengers every day following the COVID-19 advisories. We are optimistic that once the restrictions are lifted, the Airport will reach its pre-COVID level air traffic growth by providing the passengers more convenience in air travel,'' he added.

Now Dibrugarh Airport is connected with four State capitals of the north-eastern India namely, Guwahati, Agartala, Imphal and Dimapur.

The flights under the 'RCS-UDAN' scheme has connected various remote areas of North East India and helped boost travel and trade. It has also reduced the travel time significantly and added convenience to passengers coming from Arunachal Pradesh and Assam with Manipur.

This is the third flight under RCS- UDAN scheme to start its operations from the Dibrugarh Airport. The first flight connected Dibrugarh with Dimapur (presently the flight is suspended), while the second flight connected Dibrugarh with Agartala which is presently operational on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

On the occasion, the passengers have also shared their joy with the Airport officials regarding their ease of travel and also appreciated the efforts taken by the Government of India, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Airports Authority of India and the Indigo airlines for connecting new routes and making this flight operational.

Upon its arrival, the inaugural flight was welcomed by a water-cannon salute. Dibrugarh Airport is maintaining all COVID-19 protocols and mandating the RT-PCR testing facility available at the Airport which is provided by the district administration, stated a press release.

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