The Assam government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to undertake pre-feasibility studies for five proposed greenfield airports across the state, signalling a strategic push to expand air connectivity, support regional development and strengthen infrastructure in under-served areas. The partnership reflects a collaborative effort between state and central aviation stakeholders to evaluate the viability, economic impact and environmental considerations of establishing new aviation gateways in Assam.
Under the agreement, the AAI will lead detailed assessments of proposed airport sites, examining technical, financial and operational aspects that influence the feasibility of establishing new facilities. These pre-feasibility studies typically involve terrain and land availability analysis, airspace considerations, projected passenger and cargo demand, connectivity potential, environmental impact evaluations, and initial cost-benefit modelling. Based on the findings, the state government and AAI can make informed decisions on whether to proceed with full project reports and development plans for each site.
Expanding airport infrastructure through greenfield projects is seen as a way to enhance accessibility, shorten travel times for remote communities, and attract investment by improving logistical linkages within the state and beyond. Assam’s geographic position in India’s northeast makes it a critical hub for connectivity with neighbouring states and countries, and additional airports could support tourism, trade and business travel while relieving pressure on existing airports in the region.
Officials from both the Assam government and AAI noted that improved aviation infrastructure aligns with broader economic goals, including the promotion of equitable regional development and enhanced access to markets, education and healthcare services. Airports can play a catalytic role in facilitating the movement of people and goods, and new facilities could help integrate smaller towns with national and international air networks.
The MoU comes at a time when India’s civil aviation sector is undergoing rapid growth, with rising passenger demand, expanded airline networks and increased interest in regional connectivity. State governments across the country are increasingly collaborating with central agencies to study, develop and fund new airport projects that enhance connectivity and support local economies.
In Assam, the five proposed greenfield airport locations will be evaluated to determine which sites offer optimal prospects for development based on strategic importance, projected travel demand and infrastructure readiness. The AAI’s pre-feasibility work will help ascertain initial capital requirements, land requirement logistics, access routes, potential airline interest and integration with surface transport networks.
Greenfield airports newly constructed facilities as opposed to expansions of existing ones offer greater flexibility in design, operations and capacity planning. By starting with a clean slate, planners can optimise runway orientation, terminal layouts, cargo facilities and support infrastructure from the outset, potentially resulting in lower operational constraints and enhanced growth potential.
For surrounding communities, new airports can create opportunities for employment, tourism growth, business expansion and real estate development. Improved connectivity often encourages new businesses to enter a region and provides local producers with better access to domestic and international markets, boosting economic activity.
The Assam government said it will work closely with the AAI to ensure that stakeholder consultations, environmental safeguards and land use plans are factored into the studies. Engagement with local authorities, community representatives and industry partners will be critical to understanding on-the-ground needs and aligning airport development plans with regional priorities.
Once the pre-feasibility studies are completed, the findings will be shared with policymakers, investors and aviation planners who may consider moving forward with project reports, funding allocations and implementation frameworks. If one or more of the proposed sites prove viable, Assam could see a new phase of aviation infrastructure development that complements existing airports and expands the state’s role in national and international air travel.
The collaboration with the AAI reflects a growing recognition that strategic investment in airport capacity and regional air connectivity is central to unlocking economic potential, promoting tourism and improving quality of life. By evaluating and preparing for future airport projects today, Assam’s leadership aims to ensure that the benefits of aviation growth extend across the state and support long-term development objectives.
