Air India stops full-service flights at Imphal; Air India Express to continue, move not linked to Ahmedabad crash, says AAI

NEW DELHI: Air India has discontinued its full-service flight operations from Imphal International Airport starting 15 June, Airports Authority of India (AAI) officials confirmed on Monday.The airline’s low-cost subsidiary, Air India Express, will continue its services at the airport, ensuring uninterrupted air connectivity.According to officials, the move is part of a “long-standing, pre-planned strategic decision” and is unrelated to any recent incidents.The decision comes just days after Air India’s London-bound flight AI 171 crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad airport on 12 June, killing 241 people.

However, officials clarified that the move to stop full-service operations in Imphal is not connected to the crash.“The move is part of a broader strategic realignment by the Tata Group, which owns the airline. Air India Express, the group’s low-cost subsidiary, will continue its operations at Imphal, signalling a shift in service model but ensuring continued air connectivity,” said another AAI official.Efforts to contact Air India for further comment were unsuccessful.AAI officials noted that Air India has had a long-standing presence in the region, historically linking Imphal with key cities across India.