Guwahati, May 8: Airports Authority of India, in its continuous endeavour to link under-served and unserved airports through Regional Connectivity Scheme routes has started its regular flight services at Rupsi Airport in Assam. The first commercial flight of M/s. Flybig airline landed today 08 May 2021 at 12:07 hrs marking the beginning of a new era at Rupsi, in Dhubri District of Assam and adjoining area.
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, the proper marking and distancing measures were also ensured for all passengers. Earlier on 05 May 2021, a trial flight was tested and operational requirements were checked successfully.Altogether 24 passengers arrived from Guwahati on the inaugural flight at Rupsi today. Later it departed for Kolkata at around 12:40 hrs.
Informing about the services, Shri Jyotirmoy Barua, Airport In-charge said that it is a historic moment for all of us at Rupsi as regular flight services have started under the RCS- UDAN programme of Govt. It will ensure affordable flying for all especially the lower income group population here. UDAN flight provides cheap air fares for short destinations, connecting the unconnected. I am happy that everything was smooth and coordination from all agencies are appreciated, except from all here at Rupsi, he added.M/s.
Fly big airline was awarded routes under UDAN-Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik scheme of Government of India to operate flight service at Rupsi by Ministry of Civil Aviation, GoI. through a bidding process. It will operate flights on Guwahati- Rupsi-Kolkata route and back. Initially it will operate on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday as informed by the airline.Airports Authority of India has re-developed this world war-II ear air strip of Assam at an estimated cost of Rs. 69 Cr. The foundation stone for this re-development project was laid by Hon'ble CM Shri Sarbananda Sonowal in February 2019.Spread across 337 acres, the newly developed 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.The operationalization of Rupsi Airport will help boost the local economy of the Bodoland area and provide better connectivity to the air travellers of the adjacent districts from Dhubri, Bongaigaon, Kokrajhar, Goalpara as well as districts in the neighbouring states of Meghalaya, West Bengal and parts of Bhutan as well.Arriving first passengers were welcomed by the Airport incharge and the airline staff honouring them with traditional gamocha.AAI Officers, airline employees, state govt officials, state police security personnel and other dignitaries were also present on this auspicious occasion and encouraged the passengers.
