Air India Ceases Operations at Imphal International Airport

Air India has announced the suspension of its full-service airline operations at Imphal International Airport, effective June 15. Officials from the airline confirmed that while the full-service operations will cease, its low-cost subsidiary, AI Express, will continue to provide services at the airport.

This decision is part of the airline's long-term and pre-planned strategy. An airport official stated, "This is a strategic decision that has been in the works for a long time and is unrelated to any recent incidents."

On June 12, a tragic incident occurred when Air India's flight AI 171, bound for London, crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad Airport, resulting in the loss of all 241 passengers on board. Another official from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) mentioned that this move is part of a broader strategic restructuring by the airline's owner, the Tata Group.

The low-cost subsidiary, Air India Express, will maintain its operations in Imphal, indicating a shift in service model while ensuring continued air connectivity. Air India has a rich history in the region, connecting Imphal to major cities across the country.