If you are planning a trip to India’s scenic Northeast, there is a high chance you will find yourself landing at the Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport in Agartala. As the second busiest airport in Northeast India after Guwahati, this facility has transformed into a modern international gateway that beautifully blends state-of-the-art technology with the rich cultural heritage of Tripura.
At www.airportandme.com, we love exploring airports that tell a story, and MBB Airport—located just 12 kilometres northwest of the capital city—is a perfect example of a historic site meeting future-ready infrastructure.
A Legacy Dating Back to World War II
The airport’s roots go back to 1942, when it was established by Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur Debbarman, the “Modern Architect of Tripura.” During World War II, the airport played a critical strategic role as a supply base for the Royal Air Force’s Chindit operations and later served as a hub for the United States Army Air Forces flying transport aircraft over Burma.
Originally known simply as Agartala Airport, it was renamed in honor of the Maharaja, reflecting his pioneering role in the state’s development.
The New Integrated Terminal: A Masterpiece of Design
The most exciting development in recent years was the inauguration of the New Integrated Terminal Building on January 4, 2022. Built at an estimated cost of approximately ₹438 to ₹450 crore, this massive 30,000-square-metre facility is designed to handle three million passengers annually.
What makes this terminal truly unique is its design inspiration:
Local Art: The building’s form reflects the hilly terrain of Tripura, with interiors featuring tribal stone sculptures from the Unakoti Hills and local bamboo handicrafts.
Cultural Motifs: The facade is adorned with a floral jaali pattern depicting the region’s lush forests, while the waiting areas feature bamboo stem sculptures.
Functional Beauty: The jaali work is not just decorative; it helps reduce solar radiation and maximizes natural daylight within the terminal.
Modern Facilities for the Modern Traveler
For those flying through MBB Airport, the experience is now smoother than ever. The new terminal includes:
20 check-in counters to minimize wait times.
4 passenger boarding bridges (aerobridges) for direct aircraft access.
6 parking bays for aircraft like the A321 and Boeing 737.
Advanced Security: It features an In-Line Baggage System (ILBS) and high-quality Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) for operations in low visibility.
Cargo Hub: In April 2023, the airport opened the second largest air cargo terminal in the Northeast, capable of handling 40,150 MT of cargo annually—ten times the current demand.
Leading the Way in Sustainability
MBB Airport is also a pioneer in green aviation. It is designed to be an intelligent building with a focus on energy efficiency, aiming for a GRIHA four-star rating. The airport has already installed a solar power plant, with plans to expand its capacity to operate primarily on green energy. Additional eco-friendly features include LED lighting, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and an on-site Sewage Treatment Plant.
Connecting Tripura to the World
Currently, major airlines like IndiGo, Air India Express, and Akasa Air connect Agartala to key Indian cities including Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Guwahati, and Chennai.
The future looks even brighter with proposals for international expansion. There are plans for flights to Chittagong and even Singapore. Most innovatively, a proposal exists for a cross-border terminal extension with Bangladesh. This would allow Bangladeshi passengers to access the airport without technically entering Indian territory, similar to models used at Geneva Airport.
Quick Traveler Tips
Location: 12 km from Agartala city center.
Transport: The airport is well-connected to the main city by road and is approximately 11.5 km from the Agartala railway station.
Amenities: You will find a variety of shopping areas, restaurants, and comfortable departure lounges across the terminal’s levels.
Whether you are a history buff interested in its WWII legacy or a modern traveler looking for a seamless airport experience, Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport is truly a rising star in Indian aviation.
Safe travels!