Itanagar: Donyi Polo Airport at Hollongi in Arunachal Pradesh has won the award for the best airport under the Centre’s regional air connectivity scheme, UDAN. Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu presented the award at the Wings India 2026 event in Hyderabad on Friday.
The airport received the recognition under the Regional Connectivity Scheme–Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (RCS-UDAN). Reacting to the honour, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein said the award reflected Arunachal Pradesh’s “collective commitment to improving regional connectivity, strengthening infrastructure, and creating new opportunities for growth and tourism”.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) developed Donyi Polo Airport, which opened in late 2022. Since then, the airport has begun regular flight services to Delhi and Kolkata. These connections have improved passenger access and boosted economic activity in the state.
The recognition highlights Arunachal Pradesh’s progress in aviation infrastructure and regional connectivity. Officials said the achievement is expected to improve the state’s visibility on the national aviation map. It is also likely to encourage further investment in the air transport sector.
Earlier, in September 2025, Union Civil Aviation Minister Naidu inaugurated a new terminal building at the Hollongi airport. During the event, he announced the launch of daily flight services to Delhi from September 17. The move expanded operations from the earlier four-days-a-week schedule.
The state government has positioned Donyi Polo Airport as a key driver of regional development. Officials said the project aligns with broader efforts to strengthen connectivity and promote economic growth across the Northeast.
Wings India 2026