In a development for the northeastern state of Tripura, Air India Express has launched daily flights on the Agartala-Guwahati-Delhi-Kolkata route, enhancing connectivity and providing greater convenience for travelers in the region. This new service, inaugurated on Sunday, marks a major boost to Tripura’s transportation network, especially benefiting those who frequently travel to West Bengal and other states for medical treatment, tourism, education, and business purposes.
The maiden flight of Air India Express took off from Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport in Agartala, a clear testament to the increasing demand for air travel in the region. MBB Airport Director, K.C. Meena, emphasized the competitive pricing of the new service, making it an attractive option for passengers seeking affordable and efficient travel to key cities like Delhi, Guwahati, and Kolkata.
This addition to the airport’s flight offerings is a significant win for Tripura, which has been actively striving to improve its air connectivity. With Air India Express now operating from MBB Airport, the total number of airlines serving the airport rises to four, including Air India, Indigo, and Akasa. This expansion not only enhances accessibility but also signals the growing importance of MBB Airport as a regional air travel hub.
The Tripura government has been advocating for the designation of MBB Airport as an international airport, reflecting its ambitions to further elevate the state’s connectivity. In the Lok Sabha, former Tripura Chief Minister and Lok Sabha MP Biplab Kumar Deb urged the Civil Aviation Minister to grant international status to MBB Airport, highlighting the airport’s new integrated terminal building, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January 2022.
Currently, MBB Airport handles 16 flights daily, accommodating over 4,000 passengers. The airport, located just 20 km north of Agartala, was renamed in July 2018 after Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur, and its state-of-the-art terminal building is equipped to handle both domestic and international passengers.
