Imphal: Air India Express has agreed to introduce two additional daily flights following a communication from Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA).
It has also agreed to cap airfares on the Imphal–Guwahati route at Rs 6,000.
According to a statement from Raj Bhavan, the airline will soon start operating one additional flight each on the Imphal–Guwahati and Imphal–Kolkata sectors to improve air connectivity for passengers from the state.
Governor Bhalla has expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Air India Express for their prompt response in addressing Manipur’s connectivity concerns.
Notably, Governor Bhalla had written to Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, urging urgent intervention to restore and strengthen air connectivity from Imphal.
The communication highlighted that the sharp reduction in flights to Guwahati and Kolkata has severely impacted mobility and caused significant inconvenience to the people of the state.
The Governor emphasised that dependable air connectivity serves as a crucial lifeline for the state, given the absence of railway links.
Raj Bhavan has stated that it is closely monitoring the matter to ensure prompt and effective action in the interest of the people of Manipur.
Former Chief Minister N Biren Singh shared the development on X, noting that the decision followed discussions between MLA Susindro and the Secretary of Civil Aviation in Delhi. Officials from the Ministry confirmed that steps are being taken to introduce the new flights at the earliest.
Singh stated, “This development reflects the commitment of the central leadership to address the genuine concerns of the people of Manipur in a timely and positive manner.”
