An airport to connect the capital city of Itanagar is a long-felt need of the local community, as it will also serve as the primary gateway to the state of Arunachal Pradesh. Presently, the closest airport to Itanagar is the one at Lilabari, located at a distance of 80 km in the state of Assam. Travel from Lilabari airport to Itanagar takes around three hours by road.

In an effort to establish this much-needed air connectivity in the region, AAI has undertaken the work of constructing a greenfield airport at Hollongi, 15 km from Itanagar. The tentative date for completion of the project is November 2022.

Estimated at a cost of INR 650 cr, the project involves development work, including construction of airport pavements, airside work, terminal building, and city side works. The domestic terminal building of the Hollongi Airport is expected to handle 200 passengers per hour, during peak hours.

Equipped with eight check-in counters, the terminal building will have all modern passenger facilities. The terminal will be an energy efficient building provisioned with a rain water harvesting system and sustainable landscape. The development work also includes construction of an ATC tower cum technical block, fire station, medical centre and other ancillary works.

At present, soil testing and field survey works are completed and site-clearing work is in progress. Substructure works have already been completed and superstructure fabrication is under progress.

The building’s design is influenced by the surrounding landscapes. Moving away from the strict geometry of straight lines and angles, the roof form is organic and establishes instant connection with the viewer. The building interior is designed to emanate a sense of calm to the passengers. This is achieved by providing free-flowing spaces, hidden service core, and a glass façade that links the eye to the panoramic scenic beauty of the Himalayan foothills.