Air India has officially ended its services in Manipur following a tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad that claimed 241 lives. This significant move involves the complete termination of Air India operations at Imphal International Airport, effective June 15, 2025. The announcement, made public through India’s national news agency PTI, came via officials from the Airports Authority of India on June 16.
Although the decision closely follows a major aviation disaster, officials clarified that this move was not influenced by the recent incident but rather formed part of a long-planned strategic shift by the airline.
In a related development, the Tata Group, which owns Air India, has announced financial assistance of Rs 1.1 crore for the families of those who lost their lives in the Ahmedabad crash. This humanitarian step is seen as a gesture of support and acknowledgment of the profound loss suffered by the affected families.
Despite the closure of Air India’s full-service operations in Imphal, the airline’s presence in the northeastern region of India will continue through its budget carrier, Air India Express. This subsidiary is expected to maintain connectivity while aligning with the broader strategic realignment plan that Tata Group is pursuing for its aviation arm.
According to airport sources, the company’s decision forms part of a broader transformation effort.
An official described the suspension of service in Manipur as a component of an overarching strategy aimed at streamlining and optimizing Air India’s operational footprint. The shift reflects the Tata Group’s ongoing efforts to reimagine the airline’s structure, focus, and market priorities, as they continue to rebuild and modernize the national carrier.
