Minister for Tourism and Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along, flagged off the Aerial Experience Rides – Helicopter Service for the upcoming Hornbill Festival 2025 at Lerie Helipad, Kohima, on Tuesday.
Advisor to the chief minister and chairman, IDAN, Abu Metha; chairman, TaFMA, Theja Meru; OSD, Transport Department, Myingthungo Ababe Ezung; Captain Amitabh; and officials from the Tourism Department were present at the launch.
The helicopter service, initiated by Thumby Aviation Pvt. Ltd in collaboration with the Tourism Department, aims to enhance tourism experiences during the festival. The initiative marks a significant step toward offering chartered aerial experiences and improved connectivity for visitors.
The service will provide sightseeing opportunities around Kohima, aerial views of the scenic Dzükou Valley, flights between Kohima and Kigwema, and exclusive bird’s-eye perspectives of the Hornbill Festival. Tourists will also be able to charter helicopters to visit destinations across Nagaland.
Rates for the rides will be subsidized to encourage participation from local visitors, domestic travellers and international tourists. The partnership with Thumby Aviation is expected to serve as a model for promoting tourism across the North East.
Bookings can be made through the Tourism Department’s social media handles, the information counter at Kisama, the official website, or designated contact numbers.
The service will operate from Dimapur Airport, Kohima Heliport and Kigwema Heliport throughout the festival period.
Nagaland Hornbill Festival: Helicopter aerial rides flagged off
DIMAPUR