Photo Courtesy: tripuratimes
Agartala: Kailashahar Airport will stay grounded until airlines step up. Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport Director Krishnan Mohan Nehra said the site will only reopen once carriers submit formal proposals. One or two companies are currently drafting those plans. Nehra stated, "If an airline gives its consent, we will make that airport operational."
The airport requires 205 acres of extra land from the state government to handle larger Airbus-style planes. Current infrastructure cannot support all-weather operations. Small planes might fly under clear skies, but pilots need an Instrument Landing System for safety during bad weather. The Director noted that once the land arrives, the build begins.
Nehra also defended current schedules at MBB Airport amid complaints over reduced flight frequency. Airlines cut Hyderabad routes from five days a week to three, citing aircraft shortages and maintenance. He urged airline CEOs to stop pulling services because passenger demand remains high. The airport currently sees 4,000 to 4,500 travelers daily, with peaks hitting 6,000. It served 1.5 million passengers in fiscal year 2025-26.
Management is pushing new service initiatives now. The Swachhta Hi Seva campaign runs through October 2, while Yatri Sewa Abhiyan 2026 lasts until October 10. These programs aim to boost baggage handling, digital services, and accessibility for Divyangjan. Nehra wants courtesy to be the standard. He promised that "Service with Smile will remain our central theme" for all passengers.
Updated at 16th September 2026 at 9:53pm
Nehra clarified that the decision to cut flights, including the reduction of Hyderabad service to three days a week and adjustments to Delhi routes, boils down to commercial choices. He noted that while July through September usually marks a lean travel period, demand spikes during festivals. Data shows that occupancy rates for existing flights frequently hit 95 to 99 percent.
Technical requirements for Kailashahar include an Instrument Landing System to guide aircraft along the runway centreline during poor visibility. MBB Airport recently secured the sixth spot nationally in the Customer Satisfaction Survey. The new service campaigns will specifically focus on providing better information for passengers, drinking water, and facilities tailored for women and children.
Updated at 17th September 2026 at 1:48am
MBB Airport is ramping up its power infrastructure with a new 1,600-kilowatt solar plant, pushing total capacity to 2,000 kilowatts to cut carbon and costs. Officials have also implemented Low Visibility Procedures to keep planes moving safely when weather turns sour. Management confirmed they will extend operating hours if necessary to accommodate flights diverted by storms.
The upcoming passenger drives include more than just digital upgrades. The airport plans to host local folk performers in the terminal and provide free space for self-help groups to sell Tripura handicrafts. On September 27, World Tourism Day, the terminal will spotlight local products. Staff will also guide first-time flyers from the front door through security to help clear up any confusion.
Nehra pointed out that the facility’s sixth-place national ranking in customer satisfaction stems from 34 specific performance parameters. To keep that status, the airport is auditing its Udaan Yatri Cafe to ensure tea and snacks remain cheap and clean. The hygiene drive on October 2 will also include health check-ups for the cleaning crews and waste segregation programs for the youth.
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