Alliance Air Expands Northeast Connectivity with New Flights to Imphal
Alliance Air Expands Northeast India Network: New Flights to Imphal
Alliance Air is significantly enhancing air connectivity in Northeast India with the launch of new flights linking Imphal, the capital of Manipur, to three other major destinations in the region. Starting from January 15, 2025, the airline will connect Imphal to Kolkata, Guwahati, and Dimapur, offering residents and businesses in the region improved travel options and more seamless access to other parts of India.
This new addition to the airline’s network comes as part of the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s ongoing efforts to improve air connectivity to the Northeastern states, where transport infrastructure has traditionally been a challenge. The service is expected to strengthen the region’s connectivity, facilitating easier movement for both residents and tourists.
The introduction of these new flights is expected to have a multifaceted impact on the region, benefiting not only local residents but also businesses and the tourism industry. Travel between the capitals of neighbouring states – Kolkata, Guwahati, and Dimapur – and Imphal will now be more convenient, saving valuable time and opening up new opportunities for trade and cultural exchange. The region has long struggled with high airfares, particularly for flights to and from Manipur. However, the new service comes with a key benefit: fares for these new flights will be capped at Rs 5,000. This measure was highlighted by Manipur’s Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who explained that this pricing structure was put in place after the government engaged with the Ministry of Civil Aviation to ensure affordability for the people of Manipur. With rising airfares often a barrier to travel, this new initiative aims to alleviate the financial strain on local residents while encouraging more frequent travel to and from the region. “Airfare is quite high (in Manipur), but with the new service, prices will not exceed Rs 5,000. This will benefit the people of our state,” said N. Biren Singh, adding that the new flights will make the region more accessible.
The expansion of Alliance Air’s operations in Northeast India is part of a larger strategy by the Ministry of Civil Aviation to improve air links in the region, which has often been underserved due to the difficult geography and lower demand. With this new initiative, there is a clear push to stimulate economic growth and make the region more attractive to tourists, businesses, and investors alike. These new routes will also help integrate the Northeastern states more effectively into the broader Indian economy. The improved accessibility is expected to contribute positively to the growth of sectors such as tourism, retail, and services in the region. By improving transport links, the government hopes to create new economic opportunities and foster better integration with the rest of the country. The new flights will also complement existing services provided by other carriers, including Indigo, Air India, and Air India Express, which currently operate from Imphal airport. However, the addition of these new routes will help spread the demand and offer more options for passengers, reducing the pressure on existing flights and improving overall service quality.
The launch of the Imphal-Kolkata, Guwahati, and Dimapur flights marks another important step in improving air connectivity to Northeast India. This is just the beginning of a larger trend towards enhancing transport links across the region, which is set to continue in the coming years with other infrastructure developments, including new airports and improved road and rail networks. These improvements are not only crucial for local development but also help make Northeast India more integrated with the rest of the country, driving social and economic progress. As travel becomes more accessible and affordable, it’s expected that the region will see increased tourism, a boost in business activities, and better connectivity for residents, ultimately improving quality of life.
Alliance Air’s new flight routes connecting Imphal to Kolkata, Guwahati, and Dimapur are a significant development in enhancing Northeast India’s air connectivity. With capped fares at Rs 5,000, this service brings affordable travel options to the region, benefiting local communities and businesses alike. By improving access to major cities, this initiative will help stimulate regional economic growth, promote tourism, and contribute to the broader integration of Northeast India with the rest of the country’s economy. As infrastructure continues to improve, Northeast India is poised for greater opportunities in the years ahead.
