The long‑awaited development of Kailashahar Airport will move forward only if airlines formally commit to operating services there, according to Krishnan Mohan Nehra, Director of Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport. Speaking at a press conference in Agartala on Wednesday, Nehra placed the responsibility squarely on airline proposals, stressing that the airport’s revival cannot be planned in isolation.

Nehra revealed that one or two airlines are currently preparing written proposals to begin operations from Kailashahar. “If an airline gives its consent, we will make that airport operational,” he said, adding that the development blueprint would be tailored to the type of aircraft the airline intends to deploy.

The Director underscored that Kailashahar’s existing infrastructure is inadequate for larger aircraft. To transform it into an all‑weather facility capable of Airbus‑type operations, the airport requires an additional 205 acres of land, which has already been requested from the State Government.

Explaining the technical requirements, Nehra said smaller aircraft could operate under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) in clear conditions, but poor visibility would make landings unsafe. To ensure reliable operations, an Instrument Landing System (ILS) is essential. “ILS assists the aircraft by aligning it with the runway centreline and providing distance and directional information during approach,” he explained. “As soon as the land is provided, we will develop it.”

Nehra also addressed concerns about reduced flight frequencies from Agartala. He clarified that airline schedules are commercial decisions, often influenced by aircraft shortages and maintenance requirements. Hyderabad flights, once operating five days a week, have been cut to three, while Delhi services are being adjusted with varying frequencies.

He confirmed that he had written to airline CEOs urging them not to withdraw services, citing strong passenger demand. The State Government has also taken up the matter with the Union Civil Aviation Ministry. Nehra noted that July to September is typically a lean travel period, but demand surges during festivals.

Currently, MBB Airport handles 14 arrivals and 14 departures daily, with 4,000–4,500 passengers travelling each day. During peak seasons, passenger movement rises to 6,000 daily, with occupancy often reaching 95–99 per cent. In FY 2025–26, the airport handled 1.5 million passengers and ranked sixth nationally in the Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Highlighting service initiatives, Nehra announced two major programmes: the ‘Swachhta Hi Seva’ campaign from September 17 to October 2, and the ‘Yatri Sewa Abhiyan 2026’ running until October 10. These campaigns will focus on cleanliness, accessibility for senior citizens and Divyangjan, improved passenger information, baggage handling, drinking water, digital services, women‑ and child‑friendly facilities, cultural promotion, emergency preparedness, and courteous assistance.

“Service with Smile will remain our central theme,” Nehra said, emphasizing that passenger service must become a continuous culture rather than a short‑term initiative.