Guwahati, May 9 (TIWN) With the start of commercial operation of flights from the newly developed Rupsi Airport in western Assam on Saturday, the northeastern region of India gets 15th airport leading to better air connectivity with the remaining part of the world.

The Rupsi airport would cater to the need of air travellers from four western Assam districts and the neighbouring states of Meghalaya, West Bengal and parts of Bhutan as well.  Airport Authority of India (AAI) officials said that with 24 passengers on board, the maiden flight of private Flybig airlines arrived from Guwahati at the Rupsi airport on Saturday afternoon and subsequently it departed for Kolkata. "As a gesture of welcome, water cannon salute was accorded to the incoming flight by the Rupsi Airport officials. All safety checks and mandatory security arrangements were done prior to the arrival. Considering the Covid-19 guidelines, the proper marking and distancing measures were also ensured for all passengers. On Wednesday a trial flight was tested and operational requirements were checked successfully," an AAI official said.  Rupsi airport in-charge Jyotirmoy Barua said that the flight operation was started under the Regional Connectivity Scheme-Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (RCS-UDAN) scheme of the central government.  "It would ensure affordable flying for all especially the lower income group population here. UDAN flight provides cheap air fares for short destinations, connecting the unconnected," Barua said.