Did Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh Launch New SpiceJet Flights and Call for Lower Airfares?
Synopsis
On February 10, Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh celebrated the launch of SpiceJet flights aimed at improving connectivity. He urged for affordable airfares amidst ongoing civil aviation challenges, spotlighting the need for more options for travelers in the region.
Key Takeaways
Launch of SpiceJet flights: Direct services from Imphal to major cities.
Call for affordable airfares: Chief Minister emphasizes the need for lower ticket prices.
Government advocacy: Ongoing discussions with the MoCA to improve connectivity.
Challenges faced: High airfares and reduced flight availability.
Public demand: Requests for route reconsideration under the RCS-UDAN scheme.
Imphal, Feb 10 (NationPress) Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh of Manipur praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat on Tuesday, emphasizing its crucial role in achieving the aspirations of Viksit Manipur.
In a notable effort to enhance air connectivity within the region, the Chief Minister inaugurated SpiceJet's new direct flight services from Imphal to Guwahati, Kolkata, and Mumbai at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport.
He remarked that given the current circumstances, air travel has become the favored option for individuals journeying outside the state and urged the airline to assess ticket prices to ensure they remain affordable.
During the launch event, the Chief Minister presented the boarding pass to the inaugural passenger of the SpiceJet flight to Guwahati.
The ceremony was attended by key figures including Congress Lok Sabha member Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, MLAs Tongbram Robindro Singh and Khashim Vashum, along with Additional Chief Secretary (Transport) Anurag Bajpai and other officials from the state government and Airports Authority of India, as well as representatives from SpiceJet.
Simultaneously, the Manipur government has repeatedly called upon the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) to intervene in order to lower the high airfares on routes connected to Imphal and to consider adding more flights.
Additional Chief Secretary Anurag Bajpai has engaged in multiple discussions with the MoCA Secretary and other senior officials, shedding light on the civil aviation challenges faced by the people of Manipur.
He highlighted that the exorbitant airfares imposed by airlines like IndiGo, Air India Express, and Alliance Air have caused significant difficulties, with ticket costs reportedly five to six times higher than those found in other northeastern regions.
Bajpai also indicated that government regulations regarding airfare caps were not being adhered to in the Imphal sector and noted that the number of aircraft servicing these routes has decreased since October.
Moreover, he pointed out that Alliance Air had ceased operations on essential routes, including Imphal-Silchar, Imphal-Aizawl, and Imphal-Dibrugarh, and called on the MoCA to expedite their restoration.
The state government has also urged for these routes to be reconsidered under the RCS-UDAN scheme due to strong public demand.
Point of View
Illustrating government efforts to enhance connectivity and address the pressing issue of high airfare. It highlights the ongoing dialogue with national authorities to improve the situation for the people of Manipur.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What new flights has SpiceJet launched in Manipur?
SpiceJet has inaugurated direct flight services from Imphal to Guwahati, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
Why did the Manipur Chief Minister urge for lower airfares?
The Chief Minister urged for lower airfares to make air travel more affordable, especially as it has become a preferred mode of transportation for residents traveling outside the state.
Who attended the launch event for the new SpiceJet flights?
The event was attended by key figures including Congress Lok Sabha member Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, MLAs Tongbram Robindro Singh and Khashim Vashum, and Additional Chief Secretary Anurag Bajpai.
What challenges does Manipur face in civil aviation?
Manipur faces high airfares and a reduction in the number of flights, which has created significant hardships for travelers.
What has the state government requested from the Ministry of Civil Aviation?
The state government has requested the MoCA to intervene to reduce airfares and introduce additional flight options.
