Chopper rides in Nagaland introduced to boost Hornbill Festival tourism
Agartala/Kohima, Nov 26: Nagaland tourism has set up a unique precedence in the Northeast Region and introduced Helicopter Service for the Hornbill Festival 2025.
IANS reported, in a move aligned with Nagaland’s future-ready tourism vision, Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along on Tuesday unveiled the state’s new Aerial Experience Rides – Helicopter Service for the Hornbill Festival 2025 at the Lerie Helipad in Kohima.
According to the Tourism Department, the helicopter service was introduced by a private aviation company, Thumby Aviation, in partnership with the state government.
Tourists can now enjoy breathtaking ariel sights #hornbillfestival https://t.co/GOSjLyKRUM
— Hornbill Festival (@HornbillFest) November 26, 2025
It has been designed as a next-generation tourism offering to enhance visitor mobility and create immersive aerial experiences during the 10-day Hornbill festival in Nagaland.
Tuesday’s launch event was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister and IDAN Chairman Theja Meru, TaFMA Chairman, Transport Department OSD Myingthungo Ababe Ezung, Captain Amitabh, and senior officials of the Tourism Department.
Officials said the launch marks a major technological and experiential leap for Nagaland’s tourism sector, enabling chartered aerial tours, improved inter-location connectivity, and premium sightseeing options for travellers.
The service will provide helicopter tours over Kohima, aerial views of the Dzukou Valley, short-sector flights between Kohima and Kigwema, and an exclusive top-down perspective of the Hornbill Festival arena.
The 26th edition of the Hornbill Festival, one of India’s most celebrated indigenous cultural showcases, will be held at the Naga heritage village of Kisama from December 1 to 10, coinciding with Nagaland’s Statehood Day celebrations.
Tourists will additionally be able to charter the helicopter for customised travel across Nagaland, making remote destinations more accessible than ever before.
To widen participation, the state government has subsidised tariffs for the Aerial Experience Rides, encouraging uptake among local residents, domestic travellers, and foreign tourists.
Officials noted that the public–private partnership is expected to evolve into a demonstration model for boosting tourism infrastructure across the Northeast.
Bookings can be made through the Tourism Department’s official website, designated contact numbers, social media handles, and the information counter at Kisama.
The helicopters will operate from Dimapur Airport, Kohima Heliport, and Kigwema Heliport, offering seamless access throughout the festival period and strengthening mobility corridors around the event.
