By TC News Desk
Agartala, 30th August 2024: In a significant development, former Rajya Sabha MP Biplab Kumar Deb has reiterated his demand to elevate Agartala Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport to international status. This call for action was addressed in a letter from the Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohan, who provided an update on the progress of this proposal.
Minister Mohan informed Deb that Agartala Airport has been designated as a Custom Notified Airport as of January 4, 2023, following a notification from the Ministry of Finance (Revenue Department). “The Ministry has already fulfilled all the requirements laid down by the Ministry of Home Affairs for declaring Agartala Airport as an Immigration Check Post (ICP),” Mohan stated in his letter. He further mentioned that the Ministry of Home Affairs has been requested to consider the proposal for this declaration, and it is currently under review.
Highlighting the complexities involved in achieving international airport status, Minister Mohan explained, “The issue of international airport status depends on several factors, including the traffic capacity of the airport, the demand from airlines for operating international flights, and bilateral air service agreements.” He elaborated that these factors encompass essential infrastructure such as ground lighting facilities, Instrument Landing System (ILS), runway length, and the availability of immigration and health services.
The push for international status for Agartala MBB Airport is seen as a crucial step towards enhancing connectivity and fostering economic growth in the region. The local community and stakeholders are eagerly awaiting further developments on this front.
