Itanagar Airport

Itanagar Airport, officially known as Donyi Polo Airport, is not just a new transport hub, but a true gateway to the mysterious and picturesque state of Arunachal Pradesh. This modern aviation complex, which opened its doors quite recently, is harmoniously integrated into the landscape of the Himalayan foothills and is named after the Sun and Moon, which are revered in the local culture. Arriving here marks the beginning of an exciting journey, allowing tourists to immediately immerse themselves in the atmosphere of India's "Land of the Rising Sun," bypassing long journeys along winding mountain roads.

Airport Features and Highlights:

Donyi Polo Airport became the first in the state to be built "from scratch" (greenfield airport) and possesses a number of unique characteristics that make it an important facility for the region:

• All-Weather Operations: Unlike many high-altitude airfields, this airport is equipped with modern navigational equipment allowing it to accept flights even in conditions of low visibility, which is critically important for the changeable climate of Northeast India.
• Architectural Aesthetics: The terminal building is designed with local traditions in mind: the entrance is shaped like a bamboo arch, symbolizing the hospitality and culture of the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh.
• Eco-friendliness: The complex uses renewable energy sources, including solar panels, highlighting the region's commitment to preserving its unique nature.
• Stunning Views: The approach for landing and takeoff here offers passengers incredible panoramas of green hills and valleys, turning the flight into a genuine excursion.

• Official Airport Website: The most accurate and complete information is available on the official airport page on the Airports Authority of India (AAI) portal: www.aai.aero/en/airports/itanagar.
• Inquiry Service Phone: For information regarding flight status, it is recommended to contact your airline directly. General questions can be asked at the information desk upon arrival at the terminal.
• Airport Address: Donyi Polo Airport, Hollongi, Papum Pare, Arunachal Pradesh 791110, India. The airport is located near the city of Itanagar.
• Email: For official inquiries to the airport administration, you can use the address: apdhollongi@aai.aero.
• Social Media: You can follow airport news on its official page on X (Twitter): @aaidpiairport.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all issues related to lost or damaged luggage, you should immediately contact your airline's representative at the airport.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Assistance to passengers is provided at information desks located within the terminal building, as well as by airport staff and airline representatives.

You can get to Itanagar Airport (HGI), also known as Donyi Polo Airport, from the centre of Itanagar in several ways, choosing the one most suitable for your budget and comfort level. The airport is located approximately 25 kilometres south of the city, and the journey usually takes 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Public Transport is the most economical option. Buses run between the city and the airport, including those provided by the state transport corporation. This is a good way to save money, but it is worth checking the schedule in advance, as intervals between services can be long. There is currently no direct rail or metro connection to the airport, so the bus remains the main form of public transport.

Taxis and Private Transfers are the most convenient and popular way to get to the airport. You can use pre-paid taxi services or order a car through local taxi agencies. For maximum comfort, especially if you are travelling with a lot of luggage or in a group, it is recommended to book a private transfer in advance. This guarantees a fixed price and eliminates the need to look for transport on the spot.

Car Rental is another convenient option, especially for those planning to move actively around the region. In Itanagar, you can rent a car either for self-driving or with a driver. The latter option is especially recommended for tourists unfamiliar with the specifics of driving in the mountainous terrain of India. For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented car, parking is provided with zones for short-term and long-term parking.

As an alternative for travelling around the northeast of the country, you can consider other air hubs in the region. For example, Rowriah Airport in Jorhat or Dimapur Airport, from where you can also reach Itanagar by ground transport. Regardless of the chosen method, plan your trip with time to spare and carry cash for payments, as bank cards are not accepted everywhere.

Itanagar Airport (HGI), also known as Donyi Polo Airport, represents a modern and compact aviation hub. Its structure is maximally simple and convenient for passengers, as a single passenger terminal operates here, serving both domestic arrivals and departures.

The airport layout is intuitive. Since all operations are concentrated in one building, you will not have to worry about transferring between terminals. The building is designed for an efficient flow of passengers:

• The Departure Zone is located on one level and includes check-in counters, a security checkpoint, and a comfortable waiting hall with boarding gates.
• The Arrival Zone is located in the same part of the building and leads passengers to baggage claim belts and further to the exit into the city.

Thanks to its compact size and modern organization, completing all pre-flight formalities at Itanagar Airport usually takes little time. Check-in and security procedures generally proceed quickly. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport generally 1.5-2 hours before departure to drop off luggage and pass security control without rushing, especially on busy days.

The main advice for navigation is simple: it is practically impossible to get lost here. All infrastructure — from airline counters to cafes and the waiting lounge — is located in one building within walking distance. This makes the journey through HGI airport maximally comfortable and predictable, even for those flying from the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, a part of India, for the first time.

The history of Itanagar Airport (HGI), also known as Donyi Polo Airport, is a story of a recent and significant breakthrough in the development of transport infrastructure in the state of Arunachal Pradesh and all of India. Although its history does not stretch back decades, it is a shining example of modern construction. The official opening of the airport took place in November 2022, making it the first fully-fledged airport in the state capable of receiving large passenger aircraft.

The project was conceived as a "greenfield" airport, meaning it was built from scratch on a new site. The foundation stone was laid in February 2019. Construction took place in mountainous terrain, which presented a complex engineering challenge. The main goal of the project was to ensure year-round and all-weather aviation connectivity for the state capital, which previously depended on airports in neighbouring regions. The entire process from laying the foundation to the first commercial flight took less than four years, which is an impressive achievement.

Itanagar Airport was designed from the very beginning taking into account modern standards. Its 2300-metre runway is capable of serving popular aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. An interesting fact is connected with its name: "Donyi Polo" translates from the language of local tribes as "Sun and Moon" and reflects a deep respect for nature in the culture of Arunachal Pradesh. Thus, the airport has become not only an important transport hub but also a symbol of the region's cultural identity and progress.

Itanagar Airport (HGI), also known as Donyi Polo, is a modern and compact transport hub that ensures a comfortable start and end to a journey through this amazing region of India. Despite its size, the airport offers passengers all key amenities for a pleasant wait for their flight.

Dining and Shopping. In the passenger terminal, you will find several small cafes and snack bars where you can have coffee or a bite to eat before departure. Shops are also operating, offering essential goods, drinks, and local souvenirs that will serve as a great reminder of the trip.

Waiting Lounges and Wi-Fi. Spacious and clean waiting areas are equipped for passenger comfort. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and special stands and sockets are provided for charging gadgets.

Financial and Medical Services. ATMs are installed at the airport for cash withdrawals. It is worth noting that currency exchange points may be absent, so it is better to take care of this in advance. In case of unforeseen situations, a first aid post operates in the terminal.

Services for Passengers with Special Needs. The airport is fully adapted for travellers with disabilities: there are ramps, specially equipped restrooms, and wheelchair assistance services (provided upon request through the airline). For passengers with small children, Mother and Child rooms are provided.

Accommodation and Business Services. There are no hotels on the airport territory itself. The nearest hotels and guesthouses are located in the city of Itanagar, which can be easily reached by taxi. Specialized conference halls or business centres are not provided at the airport; for business meetings, it is recommended to use the infrastructure of city hotels.

Itanagar Airport (Donyi Polo Airport, HGI) is a modern, yet rather compact aviation hub. Dining options here are oriented towards the basic needs of travellers, and the selection of establishments is currently limited. If you are counting on a full lunch or dinner, it is better to do this before arriving at the airport, for example, in Itanagar itself. However, for a quick snack and drinks before departure, you will find everything you need.

In the main terminal building, typically in the departure zone before security control (landside), there are small cafes or snack bars. Their assortment usually includes:

• Ready-made sandwiches and pastries.
• Packaged snacks: chips, biscuits, nuts.
• Hot and cold drinks: tea, coffee, bottled water, juices, and carbonated beverages.

Finding authentic local dishes of Arunachal Pradesh or specialized offerings such as vegan, gluten-free, or certified Halal meals here will likely not be possible. The selection usually comes down to standard and universal options. Nevertheless, simple vegetarian snacks, for example, vegetable sandwiches, are usually available.

Prices at the airport, as everywhere, are slightly higher than in the city but remain acceptable. The opening hours of food outlets are directly linked to the flight schedule — they are open during the day, serving passengers of departing and arriving flights. For a light snack, the cafes available at Itanagar Airport will be quite sufficient, but for gastronomic experiences, it is better to head into the city itself.

To ensure your journey through Itanagar Airport goes as smoothly as possible, make use of these helpful tips. As with most airports in India, it is recommended to arrive 2-3 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. This will give you enough time to complete all formalities without rushing, even taking into account possible queues.

To save time, complete online check-in for your flight and save the boarding pass on your smartphone. If you need to check in luggage, use the dedicated counters. Security control here is standard, but be prepared to present a printout of your ticket or an electronic boarding pass along with your ID at the terminal entrance. Keep laptops and other large electronic devices separate for scanning.

When choosing a seat on the plane, note that flights from this region often delight with picturesque views. A window seat will allow you to enjoy stunning panoramas of the green valleys and hills of Arunachal Pradesh. If comfort and the ability to stand up easily are more important to you, choose an aisle seat.

You are allowed to take a standard set of items in your hand luggage: liquids in containers up to 100 ml packed in a transparent bag, electronics, documents, and personal items. It is important to remember that power banks and spare lithium-ion batteries can be carried only in hand luggage. It is forbidden to check them into hold luggage. Sharp objects, flammable substances, and weapons are not permitted in the cabin.

If you have a connecting flight, check in advance whether you need to collect your luggage and check in for the next flight again. Itanagar Airport (also known as Donyi Polo) is relatively small, so navigation will not cause difficulties. Follow the "Transfers/Connections" signs. Since the airport mainly serves domestic flights, customs control procedures are not relevant for most passengers.

To save money, book a taxi or transfer from the airport in advance via online services — this is often cheaper than taking a car on the spot. You can also bring an empty water bottle and fill it at drinking fountains after passing security control to avoid spending money on drinks.

In case of a flight delay or cancellation, contact your airline representative first. They will provide up-to-date information and explain your rights regarding meals or hotel accommodation during long waits. Considering this is a small regional airport, the range of services may be limited, so just in case, have a book, a charged power bank, or download movies to your device.