Has Air India Stopped Full-Service Operations at Imphal?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Air India has announced a significant change in operations, ceasing its full-service flights at Imphal International Airport while maintaining low-cost options through Air India Express. What does this mean for travelers in Manipur? Discover the impact of this decision on air connectivity in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Air India has ceased full-service operations at Imphal.
- Air India Express continues to provide low-cost services.
- The decision aligns with a broader strategic shift within the airline.
- Imphal International Airport maintains its international status.
- 17 operational airports exist in the Northeast region.
Imphal/Agartala, June 16 (NationPress) Following Agartala, Air India has ceased its full-service operations at Imphal International Airport. However, the low-cost subsidiary, Air India Express, which is managed by the Tata Group, will maintain flights from the capital of Manipur, as confirmed by the Airport Authority of India (AAI) on Monday.
An AAI official indicated that ever since the Tata Group acquired Air India in January 2022, there has been a gradual phase-out of full-service operations at various domestic airports, particularly smaller ones.
Nevertheless, the airline's low-cost subsidiary, Air India Express, will continue to operate at most domestic airports across the nation, as shared by the official, who preferred to remain anonymous.
Starting Sunday, Air India has officially ended its full-service carrier operations at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport in Imphal.
This decision is part of the airline's strategic plan, according to the official.
Approximately three months ago, Air India had already discontinued its full-service operations from Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport in Agartala, which is the second busiest airport in the northeastern region, after Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport in Guwahati.
“The Air India Express, the low-cost arm of the airline, will continue its operations at Imphal utilizing Boeing 737 aircraft to ensure uninterrupted air connectivity,” remarked the AAI official.
In addition to LGBI Airport in Guwahati, the Imphal airport holds international status within the northeastern region. Currently, there are 17 operational airports in the northeast, including Guwahati, Silchar, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Tezpur, Lilabari, Rupsi (Assam), Tezu, Pasighat, Ziro, Donyi Polo (Arunachal Pradesh), Agartala (Tripura), Imphal (Manipur), Shillong (Meghalaya), Dimapur (Nagaland), Lengpui (Mizoram), and Pakyong (Sikkim).
Point of View
The discontinuation of full-service operations by Air India at Imphal highlights the ongoing shift towards more cost-effective air travel options. This strategic move reflects the changing dynamics in the aviation industry, particularly in smaller markets. The emphasis on low-cost carriers could enhance accessibility for many passengers, but it may also raise concerns regarding service quality and options available to travelers.
NationPress
16/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Air India discontinue its full-service operations at Imphal?
Air India discontinued its full-service operations as part of a strategic plan following the Tata Group's acquisition, focusing on budget-friendly services through Air India Express.
Will Air India Express continue to operate from Imphal?
Yes, Air India Express will continue to operate from Imphal International Airport, ensuring ongoing air connectivity for passengers.
What aircraft will Air India Express use for its operations at Imphal?
Air India Express will operate flights from Imphal using Boeing 737 aircraft.
How many operational airports are there in Northeast India?
Currently, there are 17 operational airports in the Northeast region of India.
What other airports are included in the Northeast region?
Other airports include Guwahati, Silchar, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, and several more across various states.
