In a moment charged with emotion and symbolism, Sekhar Debbarma, a seasoned aviation professional with nearly three decades of service in the Airports Authority of India (AAI), has returned to his home state to assume charge as the Director of Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport, Agartala. For Debbarma, born and raised in Tripura, the appointment marks not just a professional milestone but a heartfelt homecoming.

Debbarma’s career began in 1995 at Kolkata Airport as an Air Traffic Control Manager, before he went on to serve at Agartala and Guwahati in various capacities. From 2004 to 2022, he held the post of Airport Director at MBB Airport, overseeing critical phases of its growth. His subsequent promotions took him to Delhi, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad airports, where he gained extensive experience in managing large and complex aviation hubs. After leaving Agartala in September 2024, he has now returned two years later to resume leadership at the airport he knows intimately.

Speaking to staff and media after taking charge, Debbarma described himself as a “son of the soil”, emphasising his deep emotional bond with Tripura. He pledged to work for the airport’s development and to serve the interests of the people of the state. Among his priorities is the promotion of local products and the local language at the airport, aligning with the Prime Minister’s call to be “vocal for local.”

Debbarma revealed plans to explore the introduction of public announcements in Kokborok, Tripura’s widely spoken indigenous language, alongside existing languages. He noted that such an initiative would not only make communication more accessible for passengers but also give visibility to the state’s cultural identity in one of its most prominent public spaces.

His return has generated considerable interest among Tripura’s residents, many of whom recall his earlier tenure at MBB Airport. With his blend of national‑level experience and local familiarity, Debbarma is expected to bring both institutional expertise and cultural sensitivity to the airport’s administration.

Officials and aviation staff expressed optimism that under his leadership, MBB Airport will continue to expand its facilities and services, while also reflecting the unique identity of Tripura.