โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
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.
๐ Connection Tips
Connections through Along Airport (IXV) are currently non-standard as the facility awaits potential revival for scheduled commercial flights under the UDAN scheme. In its present state, 'connecting' at IXV involves arriving at the site via ground transportation and potentially coordinating with government or private helicopter charters that occasionally utilize the field. For most travelers, the nearest operational hub for connecting to the global aviation network is Pasighat Airport (IXT), located approximately 100 kilometers to the southeast, or Dibrugarh Airport (MHB), which is a longer road journey away.
Ground transportation from the Along Airport area to the town center and surrounding regional hubs is primarily served by local taxis and private hire vehicles. The journey into central Aalo is very short, typically taking less than 10 minutes. For those heading to the major regional hub of Pasighat, the drive takes approximately 3 to 4 hours via the scenic but challenging mountain roads of the West Siang district. It is highly recommended to pre-arrange any long-distance car services, as public transport options can be subject to seasonal fluidity and road conditions, especially during the monsoon months from June to September.
Logistical planning for Along requires a high degree of self-sufficiency. There are no active ATMs, currency exchange offices, or dining facilities at the airport site, so ensure you have sufficient Indian Rupees (INR) in cash and all necessary supplies before departing from larger hubs like Guwahati or Dibrugarh. The region is a high-security zone given its proximity to the international border, so always keep your identification and Inner Line Permit (ILP) ready for multiple checks. For those exploring the 'revival' of the airport, monitor local updates regarding the government's plans for a civil enclave and the resumption of regional fixed-wing services.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Lengpui Airport (AJL) is a significant domestic aviation hub located in the Mamit District of Mizoram, India, serving the capital city of Aizawl. Situated approximately 32 kilometers from the city, the airport is world-renowned for its challenging 2,500-meter "table-top" runway, which is built on a leveled hilltop with deep gorges at either end. It is one of only three such airports in India, along with Kozhikode and Mangalore, and is unique for having several natural streams running through tunnels directly underneath the runway structure.
The terminal building at Lengpui is a compact and efficient facility designed to manage the specific logistical needs of the mountainous Northeast region. Inside, passengers have access to essential amenities including comfortable waiting areas, small snack kiosks serving local Mizo tea, and basic retail stalls offering traditional handicrafts. For arriving visitors, a critical feature of the terminal is the dedicated Inner Line Permit (ILP) counter, where non-residents can obtain the mandatory entry documents for Mizoram. The facility also provides modern conveniences such as high-speed Wi-Fi, mobile charging stations, and a well-staffed information desk to assist with onward travel plans.
Operational stability at AJL is enhanced by a Category-I Instrument Landing System (ILS), which was installed to manage the frequent low visibility conditions caused by monsoon clouds and morning fog. The airport is a major base for IndiGo and Alliance Air, providing vital links to Kolkata, Guwahati, and Imphal. The layout is designed for rapid transitions, with the check-in area and security checkpoints situated close to the boarding gates. For travelers, the terminal represents a professional and welcoming gateway to the "Land of the Hill People," offering spectacular aerial views of the lush, rolling hills of Mizoram during both takeoff and landing.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting at Lengpui Airport (AJL) is a straightforward process due to its single-terminal layout, but it requires careful timing due to the region's unpredictable weather. Most passengers reach AJL via domestic flights from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International (CCU) in Kolkata or Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (GAU) in Guwahati. If you are planning an onward connection to an international destination, you will typically transit through Kolkata. It is highly advisable to build at least a 4-hour buffer into your itinerary, as flights in Mizoram are frequently subject to delays or cancellations during the monsoon season (June to September) when heavy rainfall and low ceiling heights can impact table-top runway operations.\n\nGround transportation from the Lengpui terminal provides several reliable options for reaching Aizawl and the surrounding districts. Pre-paid taxis and shared jeeps are readily available outside the arrivals hall for the 60-to-90-minute journey to the city center along the winding mountain roads. While the drive is scenic, it can be slow-moving during peak hours or after heavy rain. For those requiring more comfort, many local guesthouses and government offices provide pre-arranged pickups, which are highly recommended for first-time visitors. Travelers should be aware that the region operates primarily on a cash basis in Indian Rupees (INR), and while the terminal has an ATM, it is wise to carry sufficient currency for local transport and permit fees. Additionally, ensure you have multiple copies of your identification and your Inner Line Permit ready for verification at the security checkpoints both at the airport and along the access roads into Aizawl.
โ Back to Along Airport