Imphal: In a significant aviation shift for Manipur, Air India officially concluded its operations at Imphal International Airport on June 15, drawing the curtain on a decades-long presence that deeply integrated the state with the national fabric. The move, part of a strategic restructuring by the Tata Group, sees the Imphal route transitioning to Air India Express, the group’s budget carrier.
Imphal Airport conveyed the momentous change via its official social media, acknowledging the end of a “significant chapter in the aviation history of Manipur.” For generations of Manipuri residents, Air India was more than just a flight; its iconic red-and-white livery, attentive crew, and dependable schedule symbolised national unity and broadened horizons. The airport clarified that this transition was a pre-planned corporate decision and not influenced by any recent happenings. Many will reminisce about the days of eagerly awaited, often waitlisted, tickets, the holiday rush, and the bustling terminal anticipating Air India’s familiar boarding announcements. Beyond ferrying passengers, the airline was a crucial facilitator for trade, education, and healthcare, playing an indispensable role in Manipur’s socio-economic advancement. Imphal Airport’s heartfelt farewell, stating “Your absence will be felt, but your legacy will remain etched in the heart of Manipur and in the skies you helped bridge,” encapsulated the prevailing sentiment.
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