Centre clears 2 new flights for Manipur after Governor flags travel woes

Amid soaring airfares and shrinking flight options to Manipur, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has approved two new daily flights, while Air India Express has decided to cap fares on the Imphal-Guwahati route at Rs 6,000. The move follows Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla’s appeal to the Centre for urgent intervention to restore and enhance air connectivity from Imphal, particularly to Guwahati and Kolkata.

In a letter to Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, the Governor described the situation as “alarming,” noting that daily flights between Imphal and Guwahati have dropped from five to two, while services to Kolkata have also declined from five to two. The absence of early morning and late evening flights, he said, has caused severe inconvenience to students, patients, and professionals.

Pointing out that Manipur lacks railway connectivity and faces unreliable road transport, Bhalla said air travel remains the State’s “lifeline” for long-distance mobility. He also highlighted that the steep rise in airfares has placed an “unbearable financial burden” on the public, especially during the winter months when travel demand peaks for education and medical treatment.

Following the Governor’s appeal, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and Air India Express have reportedly responded positively. Air India Express has decided to cap fares for the Imphal -- Guwahati route at 6,000 and will introduce two additional daily flights -- one each to Guwahati and Kolkata.

In a social media post, Raj Bhavan appreciated the “prompt response” from MoCA and Air India Express in addressing the State’s connectivity issues. “Further information on the new flight schedules will follow,” the post added.

Meanwhile, the Centre has officially cleared two new flight services -- one on the Imphal -- Guwahati route and another on the Imphal–Kolkata route, to alleviate the ongoing connectivity crisis.

Former Chief Minister N Biren Singh confirmed the development on X, stating that the decision came after MLA Susindro met senior Civil Aviation officials in New Delhi. “Following the issue of high airfares and limited connectivity raised yesterday, and the subsequent meeting of MLA Susindro with the Secretary of Civil Aviation in Delhi, I have been informed that two new flights will be added at the earliest,” he wrote.

The Ministry is also preparing a proposal to cap airfares at around 7,000, which is expected to provide immediate relief to passengers struggling with exorbitant ticket prices.

Officials said efforts are underway to operationalise the new flights as soon as possible. Raj Bhavan reiterated that it is closely monitoring the issue to ensure effective and timely action in the interest of the people of Manipur.

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