The Government of Nagaland has appointed Air India Express as the Official Airline Partner for Hornbill Festival 2026, strengthening the state’s tourism and aviation connectivity ahead of the annual cultural event. The airline will operate special flights on the Guwahati-Dimapur route from November 28, offering savings of up to 15 per cent through its website and mobile app using the promo code HORNBILL.
Chief Minister DrNeiphiu Rio said the partnership would help promote Nagaland’s cultural heritage and create greater opportunities for tourism and cultural exchange. Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland, said the association would encourage more domestic and international visitors to explore the state.
The flights will operate six days a week, except Wednesday, from November 28. An additional Wednesday service will begin on December 2. The Guwahati-Dimapur flight will depart at 2.40 pm and arrive at 3.35 pm, while the return flight will operate from 4.10 pm to 5.05 pm. Wednesday services will operate at 10.10 am and 11.40 am from Guwahati and Dimapur, respectively.
In Guwahati, the expanded connectivity could benefit travel agencies, hotels, transport operators and hospitality businesses by improving access to Nagaland during the festival season. It also reinforces Guwahati’s position as a regional transit hub for Northeast India.
Air India Express currently operates over 350 weekly flights connecting the Northeast with destinations across India and West Asia, including services from Agartala, Dibrugarh, Dimapur, Guwahati and Imphal.
Under its ‘Tales of India’ initiative, the airline also showcases cultural symbols such as Nagaland’s Tsüngkotepsü, alongside traditional motifs from Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya and Mizoram. Bookings are open through the airline’s website, mobile app and other major travel platforms.
