Nagaland has introduced a new aerial tourism initiative ahead of the Hornbill Festival 2025, with Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along on Tuesday flagging off the Aerial Experience Helicopter Service at the Lerie Helipad in Kohima.
The service, launched in collaboration with Thumby Aviation Pvt. Ltd. and the Nagaland Tourism Department, aims to offer chartered aerial experiences, enhanced connectivity, and premium sightseeing options to visitors during the festival. Advisor to the Chief Minister Abu Metha, TaFMA Chairman Theja Meru, Transport Department OSD Myingthungo Ababe Ezung, and officials from the Tourism Department attended the flag-off ceremony.
Designed to boost tourist mobility and showcase Nagaland’s landscape from the air, the helicopter service will provide panoramic flights over Kohima, aerial views of Dzükou Valley, short-route rides between Kohima and Kigwema, and dedicated flights offering a bird’s-eye view of the Hornbill Festival grounds at Kisama. Visitors will also have the option to charter the helicopter for travel to destinations across the state.
According to the Tourism Department, fares for the Aerial Experience Rides will be subsidised to encourage participation from local residents, domestic travellers and international tourists.
Officials said the partnership with Thumby Aviation is expected to serve as a model for expanding aerial tourism across the Northeast.
Bookings will be available through the Tourism Department’s social media handles, the information counter at the Hornbill Festival venue in Kisama, the official website, and designated contact numbers.
The helicopter service will operate from three locations – Dimapur Airport, Kohima Heliport and Kigwema Heliport – offering improved access and mobility throughout the festival period, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year.