The NGO Coordination Committee (NGOCC), Mizoram’s apex body of major civil society organizations, has urged Chief Minister Lalduhoma not to hand over Lengpui Airport, the state’s only airport, to the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Led by the influential Young Mizo Association (YMA), the NGOCC delegation met the Chief Minister and expressed their opposition to the reported proposal. In response, Lalduhoma assured them that the state government is keen on operating and maintaining the airport independently but is facing a severe financial crisis. He added that the government would seek funding from the 6th Finance Commission to modernize the airport and upgrade its runway and infrastructure.
TBC Lalvenchhunga, the Chief Minister’s Economic Adviser, stated that no final decision had been made regarding handing over Lengpui Airport to the IAF. A draft Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) is yet to be finalized. Reports suggest that the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) government is exploring options to transfer the airport to the IAF or another entity for modernization.
YMA General Secretary Malsawmliana emphasized that Lengpui Airport is a heritage asset and should not be handed over to the IAF. He pointed out that the NGOCC had passed a resolution on August 9 last year opposing any such move.
Political opposition to the proposal has also been mounting. The Congress and the Mizo National Front (MNF), both former ruling parties, along with various local organizations, have voiced their disapproval.
Lengpui Airport currently operates flights to Guwahati, Kolkata, and New Delhi, with an average of 700 daily arrivals and departures. According to state government officials, the Mizoram Civil Aviation Department has generated over ¹ 13.44 crore from the airport in the first 10 months of the 2024-25 financial year. However, the government cites heavy financial losses as the reason for considering the transfer.
Additionally, the airport has seen increased use by travelers from Manipur due to ongoing ethnic strife in the neighboring state, as many prefer Lengpui over Imphal Airport for security reasons. Amid growing opposition, pressure on the state government to reconsider its plans continues to build. (With inputs from IANS)