In a statement that has cleared confusion over the future of Lengpui Airport, the Mizoram government has made it clear that it has no intention of selling or fully transferring the state-owned airport to the Indian Air Force (IAF). TBC Lalvenchhunga, the Finance Adviser to Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, emphasized that the government is only considering the possibility of modernizing the airport through collaboration with the IAF.
Lengpui Airport, located approximately 32 kilometers north of Aizawl, is the only airport in the state and is currently owned and managed by the state government. This development comes after years of discussions about transferring control of the airport to the Indian Air Force, driven by concerns regarding the airport’s maintenance and the need for upgrades.
Exploring Modernization, Not a Complete Transfer
Lalvenchhunga was clear in his address, saying, “There is no intention of either selling or completely transferring the Lengpui airport. Some people develop a feeling that it will be handed over to the IAF within a day or two. We are only exploring possibilities to improve and modernize the airport through the Air Force.” He further explained that the Mizoram government, in collaboration with experts, is conducting a thorough study to determine the feasibility of the modernization options for the airport.
Previous Attempts to Hand Over the Airport to the IAF
The debate over the future of Lengpui Airport has been ongoing for years, with previous governments also exploring the idea of transferring control. Under the Congress-led government in 2011, 32 acres of land at Lengpui Airport were given to the IAF for the parking of jet fighters. The Mizo National Front (MNF) government followed suit, granting the IAF “no objection” to ownership of 97 acres of land at Lengpui and an additional 5 acres at Sihphir in 2019 and 2022.
Lalvenchhunga noted that these steps were part of previous administrations’ efforts to address maintenance challenges at the airport. He further claimed that the MNF government had failed to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to transfer the airport due to a change in power.
Opposition Resistance to Transfer Plans
Despite the government’s clarification, the plan to involve the IAF in modernizing Lengpui Airport has sparked resistance, particularly from opposition parties such as the MNF and Congress. Additionally, civil society organizations, including the Young Mizo Association (YMA), have expressed their concerns about the potential full transfer of the airport. They fear that the IAF’s control over the airport could limit its accessibility to the people of Mizoram and lead to a loss of local autonomy.
Lengpui Airport: A Landmark in Mizoram’s Infrastructure
Constructed in 1998, Lengpui Airport holds a significant place in Mizoram’s infrastructure. It was the first airport in India to be constructed entirely by a state government. The airport serves as a vital link for Mizoram, providing air connectivity to and from the state capital Aizawl. The growing importance of the airport for both civilian and military purposes makes the discussions around its future even more crucial.
No Immediate Changes to Airport Ownership
The Mizoram government is exploring options for the modernization of Lengpui Airport, it has made it clear that there are no plans to fully transfer control of the airport to the Indian Air Force. The state remains committed to ensuring the airport’s development while addressing local concerns. The future of Lengpui Airport will likely continue to evolve as the study progresses, with the government consulting stakeholders, including the local community, experts, and political parties.
As Mizoram strives for growth and development, the focus remains on balancing modernization with the welfare and concerns of its citizens. The ongoing dialogue on Lengpui Airport is a testament to the careful consideration given to its future role in the state’s infrastructure.
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