Imphal: Passenger traffic and aircraft movements at Imphal International Airport have increased substantially over the past 12 years, reflecting significant improvements in infrastructure, connectivity and services, Airport Director Chipemmi Keishing said on Saturday.
Addressing reporters ahead of the nationwide observance of Yatri Suvidha Diwas 2026 on June 15, Keishing said the initiative, which translates to “Passenger Convenience Day”, is aimed at enhancing travellers’ experience and reaffirming the airport’s commitment to providing safe, secure, efficient and passenger-friendly services.
As part of the observance, Imphal International Airport will showcase its major achievements and infrastructure developments over the past 12 years, he said.
Several passenger-centric activities have also been planned, including cultural performances, tree plantation drives, honouring women employees and housekeeping staff, and providing special assistance to elderly passengers.
Through such activities, Keishing said it aims to celebrate the spirit of service, strengthen engagement with passengers, and reaffirm our commitment to providing a safe, comfortable and passenger-friendly airport experience.
Providing an overview of the airport, the director said Imphal International Airport, located about 8 km south of the state capital, has been operational since the mid-1960s and remains a vital gateway for Manipur.
In the absence of rail connectivity and due to periodic disruptions in road transportation, he said the airport continues to play a crucial role in connecting the state with the rest of the country.
Keishing noted that a major milestone was achieved on October 30, 2013, when Imphal Airport was officially declared an international airport through a Government Gazette notification. Bhubaneswar Airport was granted the same status on the same day.
Although regular international flight services have yet to commence, he said the airport possesses the required infrastructure and facilities to handle international operations. During the Sangai Festival in 2013, a chartered flight from Myanmar successfully operated through Imphal.
Since then, both the State Government and the Airports Authority of India have been actively engaging with airline operators to introduce regular international flights from Imphal, he shared.
Highlighting the airport’s growth, Keishing said that in 2014, Imphal Airport handled only about four arrivals and four departures daily, with fewer than 500 passengers arriving and departing each day.
At present, the airport handles over 16 scheduled arrivals and 16 scheduled departures daily. Total aircraft movements frequently exceed 50 per day, including non-scheduled flights.
Passenger traffic has also risen sharply, with the airport now handling around 3,000 arriving and 3,000 departing passengers every day.
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
Keishing further said that Imphal Airport is now connected to all major metropolitan cities in the country. Under the UDAN scheme, the airport has also established links with several destinations across the Northeast, enhancing regional accessibility and supporting economic and social development.
The director also announced that the airport is planning to launch a UDAN Cafe soon. The facility, aimed at providing affordable food and beverages to travellers, is currently awaiting final clearance from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and is expected to become operational in the near future.
Also Read | Manipur: Tribal council refuses to accept bodies until arrests are made