IMPHAL, June 16: Air India has officially ended its operations to and from Imphal, Manipur, with its final flight departing Bir Tikendrajit International Airport on June 15, closing a chapter that spanned more than six decades. The move marks a historic transition in Manipur’s aviation landscape, ending a service that has long been a symbol of national connectivity and integration.

The cessation of operations is part of Air India’s strategic restructuring under the Tata Group, which took over the airline in January 2022. The realignment focuses on hub-to-hub routes for Air India, while its low-cost arm, Air India Express, will now handle Tier-2 and Tier-3 city connections — including Imphal.

Imphal’s aviation history with Air India dates back to the early 1960s when Indian Airlines first linked the region to the rest of India. After the merger of Indian Airlines with Air India in 2007, the unified carrier continued its commitment to Manipur, maintaining essential connectivity for a region often overlooked by larger aviation networks.

In an official farewell, Imphal Airport shared a heartfelt message on social media:
“After decades of distinguished service, Air India is concluding its operations at Imphal International Airport, bringing to close a significant chapter in the aviation history of Manipur, today the 15th June’25.”

The airport emphasized that the decision was not influenced by recent events but was part of a long-term, pre-planned strategic decision by the airline.

“Flying with Air India in earlier decades was often a highly anticipated event,” the statement continued. “Many will fondly recall the long waitlisted tickets, the rush during holidays and admission seasons, and the crowded terminal filled with hopeful passengers awaiting the familiar boarding call for Air India flights.”

Air India’s legacy in Imphal extends beyond travel. Over the years, the airline played a critical role in supporting trade, facilitating education, and ensuring access to healthcare, helping weave Manipur more tightly into the fabric of the nation’s economic and social development.

Looking forward, Air India Express has ramped up its services from Imphal, offering direct connections to Guwahati, Kolkata, and Dimapur, along with one-stop access to other domestic and international destinations. This ensures continued connectivity for the region, even as the chapter of full-service Air India flights closes.