Tripura Transport and Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury has written to Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, urging his intervention over the withdrawal and reduction of multiple flight services from Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport in Agartala. The minister warned that the cuts are severely disrupting air connectivity between Tripura and major Indian cities while driving up airfares to unaffordable levels.

Key Withdrawals and Reductions

Air India has already scaled back services and is reportedly set to discontinue its Agartala–Guwahati route from 22 October. Air India Express has withdrawn or curtailed flights on several key routes, including the Agartala–Bagdogra (West Bengal)–Bengaluru service, which is reported to have been pulled entirely.

IndiGo's direct Agartala–Hyderabad service is proposed for withdrawal from 1 October, while Akasa Air is scheduled to exit Agartala operations from 22 October. Chowdhury also noted that flights on the Agartala–Shillong, Agartala–Aizawl, and direct Agartala–Chennai sectors had already been withdrawn in earlier rounds of cutbacks.

Surge in Airfares

According to the minister's letter, the reduction in available flights has triggered a sharp spike in ticket prices on high-traffic routes including Agartala–Kolkata, Agartala–Delhi, Agartala–Guwahati, and Agartala–Bengaluru. Chowdhury said the fare surge is causing 'considerable financial hardship and inconvenience' to passengers — especially those travelling for medical treatment, higher education, business, official work, and other time-sensitive needs.

What the Minister Has Demanded

Chowdhury has sought the personal intervention of the Union Civil Aviation Minister and called on him to engage directly with the airlines concerned. In his letter, he requested 'restoration of withdrawn services, retention of existing services and augmentation of capacity on high-demand routes from Agartala.' He also urged the Centre to take steps to rein in the airfare surge and ensure affordable connectivity for residents of the state.

Why This Matters for the Northeast

Tripura is a landlocked state in India's Northeast, with road and rail connectivity constrained by geography. Air travel is not a luxury for many residents — it is often the fastest or only practical option for urgent journeys. This comes amid broader concerns about airline route rationalisation in the region, where thin margins have historically made carriers reluctant to maintain services without regulatory or financial support. Notably, the withdrawals are happening at a time when demand for air travel from Agartala is reportedly growing, making the supply-side pullback particularly acute. The Centre's response — or lack thereof — will have direct implications for the region's economic and social connectivity.