Dhubri: The Northeast Distributors’ Association (NEDA) has urged the Centre to restore regular flights from Rupsi Airport, citing prolonged disruption and passenger hardship.Bhagawati Bajaj, working president of NEDA, said the uncertainty over flight operations was unacceptable. He said Rupsi serves lower Assam, the Bodoland Territorial Region, North Bengal, Meghalaya’s Garo Hills and neighbouring Bhutan.“Rupsi Airport is not merely a regional airport; it is a strategic aviation asset with immense geographical and economic importance. Its prolonged non-operation is depriving thousands of people of a convenient and affordable air connectivity option. We strongly urge the ministry of civil aviation to intervene immediately and ensure the resumption of dependable and regular flight services,” Bajaj said.Built during World War II, Rupsi earlier operated flights to Kolkata, Guwahati and upper Assam. After remaining closed for nearly four decades, it was revived under the Centre’s UDAN scheme in May 2021.FlyBig later launched flights to Kolkata and Guwahati. The airline increased operations from three to six days a week after strong passenger demand. However, it discontinued the services after about two and a half years.Alliance Air introduced flights after a gap of about a year, but frequent cancellations affected passenger confidence. The airline has reportedly cancelled all flights from Rupsi until March 27.NEDA said Rupsi is the only operationally relevant airport between Guwahati and Bagdogra. It said passengers from the region travel to Kolkata and other destinations for business, education and medical treatment.“Passenger response during FlyBig’s operation clearly established that there is sufficient demand to sustain regular flights from Rupsi. The airport has the potential to serve a much larger population beyond Dhubri district. It is therefore unfortunate that passengers are once again being forced to depend on lengthy and expensive road journeys because of the absence of reliable air services,” Bajaj added.NEDA urged the civil aviation ministry, Airports Authority of India and airlines to restore flights and establish a sustainable long-term arrangement.
