Staff Reporter, Guwahati: In a significant step toward boosting regional air connectivity in Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced that a direct, non-stop flight between New Delhi and Jorhat will begin operations from mid-September 2025. The announcement came shortly after a high-level meeting with senior officials of IndiGo Airlines in New Delhi and was shared through the Chief Minister’s official handle on X. Highlighting the importance of the development, Sarma said the decision reflects IndiGo’s growing commitment to Assam and the state government’s continuous efforts to enhance connectivity in the region. The direct flight is expected to benefit thousands of passengers, especially from Upper Assam, by reducing travel time and providing seamless access to the national capital. The meeting also resulted in several other key announcements aimed at strengthening Assam’s intra-state and inter-state flight networks. Chief Minister Sarma revealed that the Delhi–Dibrugarh service would be restructured to include a Guwahati stopover. This move is expected to improve morning connectivity between two of Assam’s major urban centres, while still offering a link to the national capital. In a welcome move for residents of Barak Valley, a new early morning flight between Guwahati and Silchar is also set to be launched. This service aims to address long-standing travel issues in the region, providing quicker and more convenient options for daily commuters and business travellers alike. Additionally, Sarma announced the launch of a new Guwahati–Navi Mumbai route as part of the Winter 2025–26 schedule. The route is expected to enhance connectivity between Assam and western India, benefiting both leisure and business travellers. Further expanding the scope of air connectivity, IndiGo is currently evaluating the potential for scheduled flights from Lilabari Airport in North Lakhimpur. If introduced, it would mark a major step forward for Upper Assam, which remains relatively underserved in terms of direct flight options. The Chief Minister described these developments as a crucial part of the state’s vision to create a robust and inclusive transport network. He stressed that improved air services are essential for boosting economic growth, tourism, trade, and accessibility for remote regions. Expressing gratitude to IndiGo for its swift and positive response, Sarma said that the partnership between the airline and the state government would pave the way for further expansions in the near future. As Assam continues to pursue large-scale infrastructure development, enhanced air connectivity remains central to its strategy of regional integration and economic advancement.
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