Damien Lepcha
ITANAGAR, Aug 27: IndiGo’s announcement to start daily direct flights between Itanagar and Delhi from September 17 has been met with a mix of excitement and scepticism in Arunachal Pradesh. While many hailed the move as a much-needed boost for connectivity, others flagged concerns over the airline’s alleged monopoly and steep fares.
The low-cost carrier, which remains the only airline operating from Donyi Polo Airport (Hollongi), had first launched services from Itanagar on November 28, 2022, connecting the state capital to Kolkata and Mumbai. Direct flights to Delhi began on October 2, 2023. The fresh upgrade to a daily schedule has been pitched as a major milestone in improving tourism and trade links with the rest of the country.
Commuters welcome move but call for competition: Reactions from locals reflected both relief and frustration.
“It is indeed very good news for commuters. But other airlines must also be invited to avoid monopoly,” one traveller said.
Another pointed out the price pinch, adding, “The current rate is too high, which forces many to use Guwahati airport. Air India and SpiceJet should also be roped in to promote healthy competition.”
A resident went a step further, claiming, “IndiGo is looting the people of Arunachal. The fare will not be less than ₹10,000, which is a curse for middle-class people.”
The present flight rates for the month of September are anywhere between ₹6,000 and ₹11,000.
High fares spark criticism: One of the passengers even compared the airfare with international routes. “An Itanagar–Delhi ticket costs more than a Delhi–Thailand flight, while Guwahati–Delhi is half the price,” he said.
Others demanded fare regulation and cargo services. “Please regulate fares for middle and lower-class people and start cargo flights to support startup youths,” one comment read.
What next? With IndiGo as the sole operator, the chorus for more carriers such as Vistara, Air India and SpiceJet is growing louder. Aviation watchers say a second airline entering Hollongi could help bring fares down and end monopoly fears.
For now, the September 17 rollout will mark the first time Arunachal’s capital city enjoys daily air connectivity with Delhi, though the debate over prices is unlikely to die down soon.
It may also be mentioned here that Arunachal is set to host the 3rd Northeast Aviation Summit in Itanagar on September 05 next.