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Summary of the News Article

Air India has officially ended its decades-long flight operations at Imphal Airport, marking a significant shift in Manipur’s aviation landscape. The decision has raised concerns about regional connectivity, passenger convenience, and future airline service availability in Northeast India. This development leaves a historical void, especially for frequent fliers and long-time residents who saw Air India as a reliable link between the Northeast and the rest of India.

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Goodbye Air India: How Imphal Airport Lost Its Longest-Serving Airline—and What It Means for Manipur

1. A Nostalgic Departure: Why This Matters

Let’s face it—we all have that one airline that feels like home. For Manipur, that airline was Air India. Its iconic red and white tail fin has graced the skies of Imphal for decades, often being the first choice for students, elderly travelers, and government officials flying in and out of the state. Now, suddenly, that chapter is closed.

But this isn’t just about nostalgia. This is about access, economics, and identity. When a national carrier exits a region, it sends ripples across everything—from tourism to emergency services, from freight to family reunions.

2. So, What Exactly Happened?

While we don’t have the insider memo, several factors are likely at play:

• Low passenger turnout on select routes
• Operational cost-cutting measures
• Increased competition from low-cost airlines like IndiGo, Akasa, and AirAsia
• Air India’s strategic realignment post-privatization under Tata Group

It’s worth noting that Air India hasn’t just stopped flights on one route. It has completely withdrawn its operations from Imphal Airport, a rare move that underlines deeper strategic recalibration.

3. The Emotional Fallout: Voices from the Valley

Travelers who relied on Air India aren’t holding back their feelings.

• “This airline brought me home during the worst of COVID,” says Irom Dineshwori, a nurse in Delhi.
• “My parents preferred Air India because they trusted the crew to assist them properly,” shares Arambam Deepak, a regular flier.

For many, flying Air India was less about price and more about trust, comfort, and familiarity.

4. Imphal Airport: What Now?

Imphal’s Bir Tikendrajit International Airport isn’t shutting down, of course. But the loss of Air India leaves a dent in its portfolio:

• Fewer direct flights to metros like Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati
• Reduced frequency of government-subsidized Vande Bharat/UDAN missions
• Loss of national carrier-level cargo and courier logistics

The airport will now rely more heavily on private low-cost carriers, which might not offer the same wide-bodied aircraft or interline baggage support.

In short? This isn’t just an aviation story—it’s a disruption to the Northeast’s economic artery.

Connecting the Dots: Regional Aviation in India

You might wonder, “Why not just take another airline?” It’s not that simple.

• Many private carriers focus on profit-heavy routes, leaving tier-2 cities underserved.
• Air India’s withdrawal signals that even strategic national integration might take a backseat to market economics.
• It also begs the question: Is the UDAN scheme (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik), meant to connect remote regions, working as intended?

It feels like Manipur is being told to “wait” while the rest of India boards.

Alternatives Stepping In (But Will They Stick?)

IndiGo, Flybig, and AirAsia currently operate routes to and from Imphal. But they come with challenges:

• Baggage allowances are tighter.
• Customer service isn’t always senior-friendly.
• Flight cancellations or delays are more frequent during off-season months.

The truth? These alternatives fill the schedule but not the shoes of a full-service national airline like Air India.

Tata’s Role Post-Privatization

Air India’s new ownership under Tata Group is aiming for profitability, modernization, and global competitiveness. But in doing so, are they forgetting the Northeast?

Let’s be real—the Northeast isn’t just a region; it’s a lifeline to India’s Act East Policy. Pulling out from Imphal sends the wrong message at a time when we’re trying to build strategic, cultural, and trade ties with Southeast Asia via Manipur and Mizoram.

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FAQs

1. Why did Air India stop operating from Imphal Airport?
   Likely due to low route profitability, operational costs, and strategic changes under Tata Group ownership.
2. Which airlines still operate from Imphal?
   As of now, IndiGo, Flybig, and AirAsia continue to run flights from Imphal to major cities.
3. Will any other airline replace Air India at Imphal?
   There are reports of negotiations with Akasa Air and regional carriers, but no confirmed replacements yet.
4. How will this affect tourism in Manipur?
   It may reduce footfall temporarily, especially from travelers who preferred Air India’s reliability and baggage allowance.
5. Is this part of a larger trend in India’s aviation?
   Yes, many airlines are streamlining operations based on profits, which could affect connectivity in other remote regions too.

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