Air India ends Imphal operations, AI Express to take over
Officials indicated this was a strategic decision.
While AAI senior officials noted increased precautionary aircraft inspections across the country, including the northeast, aviation sector sources clarified that Air India's withdrawal from Imphal stemmed from strategic considerations rather than security or technical issues. An aviation industry source said services ended on Monday due to route optimisation.
The source added that Air India's budget carrier, Air India Express, intends to operate these previously served routes from Imphal International Airport.
"In non-metro cities like Imphal, Air India Express offers more suitable fares that match the budget of the flyers. Air India Express is planning to gradually take over those routes on which Air India services were discontinued from Imphal. But the introduction of flights by Air India Express will be based on market demands," a source in Air India Express told TOI.
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The official clarified that the withdrawal of Air India from Imphal is not linked to any security-related issues following the Ahmedabad plane crash.
The northeast operations for both airlines faced challenges recently. A technical fault in a Kolkata-bound Air India Express aircraft on Saturday night led to about 18-hour delay for passengers, causing operational issues at Guwahati Airport. Subsequently, a Guwahati-Hyderabad flight was cancelled at 11 pm on Sunday due to operational constraints, prompting passenger protests at the airport.
"On June 15, Guwahati-Hyderabad - scheduled departure was at 13:40, which was revised to 23:00 and later cancelled due to operational reasons. Multiple options were given to guests. Guests who chose to go by the next day's flights were provided with hotel accommodation in Guwahati. Meals were also served to all guests," Air India Express said in response to a query by TOI. It stated that on Monday, the additional flight on Guwahati-Hyderabad departed at 12:40 pm.
"The regular service on Guwahati-Hyderabad departed on time today at its usual time of 13:40. The aircraft was a Boeing 737-8," it added.
The Imphal International Airport authorities penned an emotional note on Sunday evening, calling it "Farewell to a Legacy: Final Moments of Air India at Imphal International Airport." "As it took its final departure, an era of Air India operations at Imphal came to a close," read the note on its social media page.
"These poignant final moments capture the heartfelt farewell as the 'Big Brother' bid adieu to Imphal International Airport after years of dedicated service.
With a legacy rooted in reliability, resilience, and a deep connection with the people of Manipur, Air India's departure truly marks the end of an era," it added.
In the picture, an emotional Air India employee was seen waving goodbye, tears gently rolling down, while the "Big Brother" — Air India — cast one last look at the upcoming new terminal building and ATS complex, as if offering a silent blessing. "As the aircraft taxied out, the younger brother, AIX (Air India Express), stood by quietly, watching with a heavy heart and a solemn promise — to carry forward the legacy and provide the best possible service.
With a final wave of blessing, the Big Brother ascended into the skies — his departure etched forever in the hearts of all who witnessed it," read the post.
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