Assam Assembly clears renaming of Dibrugarh Airport after Bhupen Hazarika; Gaurav Gogoi backs move, seeks better flight connectivity

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 9, 2025

The Assam Legislative Assembly on Monday unanimously passed a resolution to rename Dibrugarh Airport as Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Airport, paying tribute to the legendary singer, composer, and Bharat Ratna awardee in his birth centenary year.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared the announcement on X, stating, “It gives me great joy to share that the @AssamAssembly has unanimously passed the resolution to rename Dibrugarh Airport as Dr Bhupen Hazarika Airport. This will be a befitting tribute to the legacy of the Bharat Ratna, whose contributions to Assam and Bharat are unparalleled.”

The resolution was passed during a special one-day session of the Assembly and will now be sent to the Ministry of Civil Aviation for formal approval, following established naming procedures. The Assam Cabinet had previously approved the proposal on May 10 as part of broader initiatives to honour Hazarika’s centenary and cultural legacy.

Welcoming the move, APCC president and MP Gaurav Gogoi called the decision a meaningful gesture. “Naming the Dibrugarh airport after Bhupen Hazarika is a befitting honour to a towering figure who represented the soul of Assam’s heritage,” he told reporters.

However, Gogoi also took the opportunity to highlight a pressing regional issue: the lack of evening flight connectivity from Dibrugarh. He said the absence of scheduled evening services is a persistent hurdle for residents of Upper Assam, particularly during emergencies and urgent travel.

“Connectivity remains a key concern. While some improvements have been made, the lack of evening flights from Dibrugarh continues to affect both public convenience and regional development,” Gogoi said. He urged the state and central governments to prioritize infrastructure upgrades and ensure reliable air access in underserved areas.

With the Assembly’s approval, the renaming of the airport moves a step closer to reality—honouring an iconic cultural figure while bringing attention to the region’s enduring transport challenges.