Air India has officially withdrawn its flight operations to and from Imphal, Manipur, marking the end of a service that dates back to the 1960s. The airline’s final departure from Bir Tikendrajit International Airport took place on Sunday, bringing to a close more than 60 years of connectivity.
The decision is part of a broader restructuring of Air India’s domestic network following its acquisition by the Tata Group in January 2022. As the airline streamlines operations, routes to several Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities across India are being reduced or cancelled.
Imphal, which had been part of the national carrier’s network since the era of Indian Airlines, will no longer be served under the new arrangement. Prior to its 2007 merger with Air India, Indian Airlines had managed most flights within the Northeast region, while Air India concentrated on international routes. After the merger, the unified carrier maintained flights to Imphal, continuing to play a role in linking the region with the rest of the country.
With this change, Air India Express, the airline’s low-cost arm, may take over some of the discontinued routes. However, there is no confirmation yet on whether Imphal will be among them.
The end of this route also affects broader accessibility for Manipur. Over the decades, the service has supported movement related to healthcare, education, and business, offering essential air connectivity in a region often overlooked by larger aviation networks.
Also read | Priyakanta Laishram’s Spaced Out movie to be screened in Punjab