In a notable development for regional air connectivity and passenger affordability, Air India Express has inaugurated a new daily evening flight on the Imphal–Guwahati–Delhi route starting December 1. This announcement follows previous commitments made by the airline in early November amidst rising concerns over limited flight options and high ticket prices affecting the Imphal–Guwahati sector, which had generated significant public discourse in Manipur.
Responding to the calls for action, Air India Express, a subsidiary of Tata-owned Air India, took the initiative to introduce this additional service, alongside two more flights from Imphal. The airline has also pledged to cap ticket prices for the Imphal–Guwahati route at ₹6,000. Although the implementation details of this fare cap remain ambiguous, it has already contributed to a noticeable decrease in airfare, which previously reached nearly ₹13,000 for this route.
Throughout December, fares for the evening flights have remained well below the cap, with prices observed as low as ₹4,999 by December 5. The launch has been well-received by airport authorities, with Imphal International Airport commending the new service on its official Facebook page, describing it as a positive beginning for the month.
The addition of this flight is expected to enhance travel convenience, improve connectivity, and reduce travel costs for numerous passengers. Established in the mid-1960s and designated as an international aerodrome in 2013, Imphal Airport operates aircraft including the Airbus A320 family and Boeing 737 series on its 2,746-meter runway, which supports increasing regional air traffic, including international flights like the inaugural service from Mandalay in November 2013.
With Air India Express’s new offerings, the prospects for affordable and traveler-friendly air travel in the region look promising, potentially benefiting a larger segment of the population.
