Eight Years After BJP’s Promise, Tripura Awaits International Flights as Airfares Soar and Connectivity Shrinks

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, October 13, 2026

Eight years after the BJP-led government came to power in Tripura with promises of improved air connectivity and the development of Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport into an international aviation gateway for Southeast Asian countries, the state continues to wait for international flight services. Instead of witnessing the anticipated expansion, Tripura’s air connectivity with several Indian destinations has reportedly weakened, while airfares have increased significantly, making air travel increasingly unaffordable for ordinary people.

The gap between the election promise and the present situation has raised questions about the implementation of the Centre’s and the state government’s aviation development plans for Tripura, a strategically important northeastern state sharing a long international border with Bangladesh.

During the BJP’s election campaign in 2018, the promise of transforming MBB Airport into an international gateway was presented as an important component of the state’s development agenda. The proposed international connectivity was expected to improve access to Southeast Asian destinations, strengthen trade and tourism, facilitate business travel and create new economic opportunities for Tripura.

However, despite the passage of nearly eight years since the BJP came to power in the state in 2018, regular international passenger flight services from MBB Airport have yet to become a reality.

The absence of international flights continues to limit the airport’s potential as a regional aviation hub. For a state with geographical constraints and limited alternative transport options, direct international air connectivity could be particularly significant for tourism, commerce, education, healthcare and cross-border economic engagement.

The absence of international flights is only one part of the problem. Concerns have also been raised over the availability of flights connecting Agartala with major Indian cities and the rising cost of domestic air travel.

Passengers travelling from Tripura increasingly face expensive tickets, particularly during periods of high demand. For families travelling for medical treatment, students pursuing education outside the state, job seekers, small traders and people visiting relatives, high fares can impose a substantial financial burden.

Reduced flight options, inconvenient schedules and expensive tickets can also affect business activity and discourage visitors who might otherwise consider travelling to Tripura.

Air travel, which was expected to become more accessible as infrastructure improved, is increasingly being viewed by many ordinary passengers as an expensive necessity rather than an affordable transport option.

The growing cost of air travel has triggered concerns about whether the benefits of improved airport infrastructure are reaching the wider population.

Government officials travelling on official duty, political leaders and financially well-off business people may have greater capacity to absorb rising fares. Ordinary residents, however, often have to compare the cost of air tickets with their household income and other travel options before making a journey.

For people requiring urgent medical treatment outside Tripura or students travelling between home and educational institutions, the cost of tickets can become a serious obstacle. The problem is particularly significant for a geographically distant state where long-distance surface travel can consume considerable time.

The central issue, therefore, is not simply whether MBB Airport has modern infrastructure, but whether the people of Tripura can access reliable and reasonably priced air services.

The Tripura government has reportedly raised aviation-related concerns with the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation through official correspondence. However, questions remain about the outcomes of these communications and whether they have resulted in a time-bound action plan to improve connectivity and address passenger concerns.

Letters to the ministry may be an important part of the administrative process, but passengers and stakeholders need clarity on what measures are being pursued, what commitments have been received and when tangible improvements can be expected.

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