Nagaland: Govt to launch aerial experience flights for Hornbill Festival 2025

For the first time, visitors to the Hornbill Festival 2025 will be able to experience Nagaland from the skies, as Thumby Aviations Ltd., in partnership with the Government of Nagaland, has announced a series of Joy Rides and Aerial Experience Flights during the festival period.
Organisers informed that the initiative is aimed at offering tourists a unique perspective of Nagaland’s landscapes, including the Hornbill Festival Grounds, Kohima city, Dzükou Valley and other scenic locations. The flights will be available from December 1 to 10, with limited seats each day.
Bookings can be made through www.helitaxii.com and www.ahibi.in, or via the helpline number provided. Officials stated that the service has been introduced to make the Hornbill Festival 2025 “unforgettable” by showcasing the state’s natural beauty from above.
The company also announced private charter options, allowing families or groups to reserve an entire helicopter for one hour at the rate of Rs. 2,00,000 for up to five passengers. The package includes any chosen aerial route within Nagaland, preferred departure time, priority boarding and dedicated ground assistance.
A Dzükou Valley Premium Joy Ride will be offered from December 1 to 10. The organisers said the flight, which does not involve landing, will provide sweeping views of the valley’s ridges and contours. Flights will operate between 9 a.m.–12 noon and 12 noon–4 p.m., with 12 seats available per slot. The fare has been revised from Rs. 9,999 to Rs. 7,999 after applying the 20% Hornbill Festival discount.
For those seeking a shorter aerial tour, the Hornbill Aerial Experience Ride on the Kohima–Kisama Heritage Village–Kohima route will operate from November 27 to December 10. The ride will give passengers an elevated view of Kisama Heritage Village, Kohima city and surrounding landscapes. Time slots will be between 9 a.m.–12 noon and 12 noon–4 p.m., with 48 seats available per slot. The fare has been reduced from Rs. 4,800 to Rs. 3,840.
A shuttle round-trip service between Kohima and Kigwema will also operate from November 27 to December 10. Two slots will be available daily—9 a.m.–9:30 a.m. and 12 noon–12:30 p.m.—with six seats per slot. The fare has been revised from Rs. 6,999 to Rs. 5,599.
Additionally, a dedicated Kohima–Dimapur shuttle service will be available from December 1 to 10. The flight, scheduled from 6:30 a.m.–7:00 a.m., will operate with 12 seats (six seats each for one-way trips). The fare has been reduced from Rs. 26,999 to Rs. 21,599 after applying the festival discount.