Along Airport (IXV)

Along Airport (IXV), also known as Aalo Airport, is a domestic aviation facility located in the West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Situated just outside the town center of Aalo, the airport acts as a strategic outpost in the eastern Himalayan foothills. The facility primarily functions as an Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) operated by the Indian Air Force, serving critical defense and logistical needs in the border region. While it was once a hub for regional turboprop flights, the airport is currently non-operational for scheduled commercial passenger services, though efforts are underway to establish a dedicated civil enclave. The technical infrastructure at Along is centered on a single asphalt runway, designated 05/23, which measures 1,120 meters (3,675 feet) in length. This runway length is suitable for light aircraft and specialized STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) turboprops, such as those used for government charters and medical evacuations. The airfield is equipped with basic navigation aids, but lacks the advanced night landing systems and high-intensity lighting found at major hubs, limiting its use to daylight hours under visual flight rules (VFR). The government of Arunachal Pradesh and the AAI are currently working on obstacle removal and land acquisition projects to upgrade the airfield for modern regional jet operations. Passenger amenities at Along are currently minimal, reflecting its role as a functional military landing ground. The original terminal facilities provide basic shelter but lack the retail, dining, and financial services found at active Indian hubs. Arriving travelers typically rely on ground transportation from the Aalo town center, which is located just a few kilometers away. Its strategic importance lies in its potential to boost connectivity for the West Siang region, providing a rapid alternative to the arduous multi-hour road journeys from Pasighat or Silapathar. Visitors to the region currently use the airport primarily as a landmark while transiting via the nearby road networks that connect to the broader Arunachal interior.