Rupsi Airport in western Assam gets regular flight service under UDAN
Airports Authority of India, as part of its continuous endeavour to link under-served and unserved airports through the RCS (Regional Connectivity Scheme) routes, has started its regular flight services at Rupsi Airport in Dhubri district of western Assam.
The first commercial flight of Flybig airline landed at Rupsi on Saturday at 12:07pm, marking the resumption of flight operations at the airport after over three and half decades.
Rupsi Airport had served as a base for the Allied forces during World War-II to supply manpower and ammunition, and was poised to resume functions after flight operations came to a halt back in the mid-1980s.
“As a gesture of welcome, a water cannon salute was accorded to the incoming flight by the Rupsi Airport officials. All safety checks and mandatory security arrangements were done prior to the arrival. Considering the COVID-19 guidelines, proper marking and physical distancing measures were also ensured for all passengers,” a statement said.
A trial flight was tested, and operational requirements were checked successfully on May 5.
Altogether 24 passengers arrived from Guwahati on the inaugural flight at Rupsi. They were welcomed with the traditional Assamese gamosa at the airport by AAI and airline staff.
Jyotirmoy Barua, airport in-charge, said that the resumption of flight operations was a historic moment and will ensure affordable flying for all, specially the lower income group population in the district.
Flybig was awarded routes under UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme to operate flight service at Rupsi by the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation, through a bidding process.
The airline will operate flights on the Guwahati- Rupsi-Kolkata route and back. Initially, it will operate on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday as informed by the airline.
AAI has re-developed Rupsi airport at an estimated cost of Rs 69 crore.
Spread across 337 acres, the airport has a terminal building measuring 3,500 sqm.
Equipped with 10 check-in counters, the terminal is designed to manage about 200 passengers during peak hours. The newly built runway is suitable for landing ATR-72 type aircraft.
(Edited by Christopher Gatphoh)
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