Tezpur Airport, Tezpur: Terminal, Code, Location, Connectivity and Amenities

Tezpur occupies a particular place in Assam’s cultural and strategic landscape. Sitting on the north bank of the Brahmaputra in Sonitpur district, it is the gateway to Kaziranga National Park, Nameri National Park, and the Arunachal Pradesh border. Its airport — officially known as Salonibari Air Force Station and operated as a civil enclave — has served tourists, traders, and military logistics for decades. The airport’s immediate past, however, is defined by an 18-month operational closure that began 1 October 2024, scheduled through 31 March 2026, for comprehensive runway resurfacing and terminal improvement works. Anyone travelling to Tezpur should verify the current operational status before making flight plans, as the airport was completing its renovation period right around mid-2026.

Quick Overview: Tezpur Airport

Tezpur Airport Location: North Brahmaputra Bank in Sonitpur

Tezpur Airport is located at Salonibari, approximately 8.5 to 12 kilometres from Tezpur city centre, depending on the reference measurement used. The airport address is Salonibari, Tezpur, District Sonitpur, Assam 784104. It sits on the north bank of the Brahmaputra river, at an elevation of 240 feet above mean sea level — low-lying terrain consistent with the Brahmaputra floodplain.

Tezpur itself is one of the oldest towns in Assam, with significant historical and cultural heritage. The airport’s position makes it a natural entry point for travellers heading to Kaziranga National Park, approximately 70 kilometres to the east, and Nameri National Park to the north. It also supports logistics toward Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang and Kameng regions, given the road connections from Tezpur that lead north through Bhalukpong into Arunachal Pradesh.

The airport is adjacent to the Tezpur Base of the Indian Air Force, which operates Sukhoi-30 fighter jets among other aircraft. The runway is shared between commercial operations and IAF fighter aircraft — a dual-use arrangement that directly led to the 2024–26 closure, as resurfacing a runway used by both heavy fighters and commercial turboprops requires extended, uninterrupted access.

Tezpur Airport Code: IATA TEZ and ICAO VETZ

Tezpur Airport carries the IATA code TEZ and the ICAO code VETZ. TEZ is the booking system identifier used across airline platforms. The airport is also listed as Salonibari Airport in aviation databases, referencing the locality. VETZ places it within the VE block for eastern India and the northeast.

Tezpur Airport Terminal: Compact Civil Enclave Under Renovation

Before its October 2024 closure, Tezpur Airport operated a single passenger terminal covering 22 acres. The terminal was small but functional — capable of handling approximately 50 to 200 passengers simultaneously depending on which source is consulted, with basic check-in counters, security screening, and a waiting lounge. The apron could accommodate one Airbus A320 and two ATR-72 aircraft simultaneously, indicating the airport was capable of handling narrow-body jet operations alongside turboprops.

The 18-month closure from 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2026 was announced by Airport Director G. Shiva Kumar specifically for runway resurfacing and terminal improvement works. The runway serves both commercial passenger aircraft and IAF fighter jets — Sukhoi-30 operations among them — and the cumulative wear from that combined usage necessitated a comprehensive resurfacing rather than routine maintenance patches.

Terminal improvements were also part of the scope: plans under discussion included upgrading capacity to handle over 100 passengers simultaneously and adding boarding gates. Once the renovation concludes, the airport is expected to return to commercial operations with an improved runway surface and enhanced terminal facilities. Passengers should verify the exact reopening date and current airline schedule directly with AAI or the airlines before booking.

Tezpur Airport Connectivity: Pre-Closure Routes and Future Expectations

Pre-Closure Routes: Before October 2024, Tezpur Airport connected to Kolkata, Guwahati, Lilabari, Shillong, and Pasighat through Alliance Air and SpiceJet. Daily flights to Kolkata operated by SpiceJet were among the most used services. The airport had seen passenger traffic grow from approximately 4,000 annually in earlier years to nearly 28,000 in 2024–25 (the partial year before closure).

During Closure: Commercial passenger flights were completely suspended from 1 October 2024. Helicopter services between Tezpur and Guwahati were considered as an interim measure but had not been formally launched as a confirmed service as of the closure announcement. Travellers to Tezpur during the closure period used road routes to Guwahati or Jorhat airports for their onward journeys.

Post-Renovation: Following the planned March 2026 conclusion of renovation works, airline restoration of routes is expected. Given Tezpur’s tourism profile and its role as a Kaziranga gateway, the route to Kolkata is the natural first restoration. Actual reopening timelines and airline commitments should be confirmed through AAI or airline announcements.

By Road: Tezpur is connected to Guwahati by road — approximately 180 kilometres via NH-15, with travel time of 3.5 to 4.5 hours depending on conditions. This road route remains the primary option during the closure period.

By Rail: Tezpur does not have its own railway station. The nearest railhead is Dekargaon, close to Tezpur town, with connections to the Northeast Frontier Railway network toward Guwahati.

Tezpur Airport Amenities: Terminal Services Pre-Closure and Post-Renovation

Before the October 2024 closure, Tezpur Airport’s terminal offered basic amenities: check-in counters, security screening, a passenger waiting area with basic seating, and a small counter for beverages and light snacks. Local souvenir purchases were possible within the terminal. The overall experience was compact and functional, consistent with a small civil enclave terminal serving thin regional routes.

The renovation scope included terminal upgrades specifically aimed at improving passenger facilities. Once re-opened, the expected amenity profile will include an improved terminal building, better seating areas, and additional boarding infrastructure. Ground transport from the airport to Tezpur city and the surrounding tourism zones — including Kaziranga-bound travellers — is by taxi, with no formal pre-paid taxi desk at the scale of larger airports.

FAQs: Tezpur Airport

Q1. What is the IATA code for Tezpur Airport?

The IATA code is TEZ and the ICAO code is VETZ. The airport is also known as Salonibari Airport, located 8.5 to 12 km from Tezpur city in Sonitpur district, Assam.

Q2. Is Tezpur Airport currently open for flights?

Commercial passenger flights were suspended from 1 October 2024 for runway resurfacing and terminal improvements, with operations scheduled to resume after 31 March 2026. Verify the current operational status with AAI or airlines before planning travel.

Q3. Why was Tezpur Airport closed for 18 months?

The runway is shared between commercial aircraft and IAF Sukhoi-30 fighter jets. Combined wear from dual-use operations required comprehensive resurfacing rather than routine maintenance — a project that necessitated an 18-month suspension of commercial flights.

Q4. Which airlines operated from Tezpur Airport before the closure?

Alliance Air and SpiceJet were the primary carriers, connecting Tezpur to Kolkata, Guwahati, Lilabari, Shillong, and Pasighat.

Q5. What is the nearest airport to Tezpur during the closure period?

Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, approximately 180 km away, is the most accessible alternative for travellers to and from Tezpur during the renovation closure.