Rupsi airport needs to perform better for tourism growth in BTR

Under the Udan scheme, the Government of India constructed Rupsi Airport in Kokrajhar district, Assam, to enhance connectivity and promote tourism in the Borderland Territorial Region (BTR). However, the airport has not been performing well, as over 30 flights have been cancelled in the last 60 days for various reasons, significantly impacting tourism in the region.

- TIKAM SHARMA

Located in Parbatjhora, Kokrajhar district, Rupsi Airport was shut down for nearly a year before Alliance Air resumed services on November 17, connecting Guwahati and Kolkata via Rupsi. However, the service has faced issues, with earlier passenger services by Flybig also halted till last year.

Alliance Air, formerly Air India Regional, is a subsidiary of Air India Asset Holdings Limited, established after Air India's disinvestment. Founded in 1996 under Indian Airlines, it merged with Air India in 2011 and remained until 2022. It operates domestic routes under the Regional Connectivity Scheme and is an Indian Flag Carrier.

Flybig, a regional airline based in Gurugram, Haryana, is promoted by Big Charter Private Limited. Launched in December 2020, it focuses on connecting tier-2 cities and primarily operates in northern and northwestern India.