SpiceJet launches first-ever flight services to Manipur capital Imphal.
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IMPHAL — SpiceJet launched its first-ever flight services to Manipur capital Imphal on Tuesday, further strengthening air connectivity to the North-East.
SpiceJet will operate daily flights to Imphal from Kolkata, Guwahati and with onward connectivity to Mumbai.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Lok Sabha MP Dr. Bimol Akoijam, MLAs T Robindro Singh and Kh Vashum, Additional Chief Secretary Anurag Bajpai and Director (Transport) Kh Diana, were present during the flagging off the commencement of the flights services at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat, underscoring its pivotal role in achieving Viksit Manipur.
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Khemchand noted that during these difficult times, air travel has become the preferred mode of transport for travelling outside the state. He directed the airline company to review the airfares ensuring affordability.
Later sharing the photographs of the event on Facebook, he wrote, “The introduction of these services will significantly enhance air connectivity and provide greater convenience to the travelling public. I express my gratitude to SpiceJet for strengthening aviation links, especially at a time when air travel is witnessing a substantial increase in passenger demand.”
“This step marks another important milestone in improving connectivity and supporting Manipur’s growth and integration with the rest of the country,” he added.
As part of the launching event, the chief minister also handed over the boarding pass to the first traveller of the SpiceJet service to Guwahati.
With the entry of SpiceJet, the situation is expected to improve further as air travel became the compulsory mode of transport after the prolonged blockade on national highways which connect Manipur with the rest of the country, after the present crisis in the state that began in May 2023.
Currently, Airport in Imphal handles an average of 28 flight movements daily, with 14 arrivals and 14 departures and is emerging as one of the busiest airports, according to people familiar with the matter.
Approximately, the airport has more than 2000 arriving passengers daily with departures being slightly higher, the people cited above felt.