Emotional Farewell: Air India Ends Its Journey at Imphal International Airport After Decades

Air India Imphal Airport Service Comes to a Poignant End

In a heartfelt and nostalgic moment for aviation enthusiasts and the people of Manipur, Air India Imphal airport operations came to a close after decades of service. The national carrier bid an emotional farewell to Imphal International Airport, marking the end of an era that spanned multiple generations and countless memories.

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Decades of Service Conclude with Honor

Air India has been a vital link between the northeastern region and the rest of India for decades. Its final scheduled departure from Imphal airport symbolized more than just the end of a route—it marked the closing of a chapter in India’s aviation history.

Airport authorities, Air India staff, and long-time passengers gathered to witness the farewell ceremony. Emotions ran high as staff members embraced, shared memories, and expressed gratitude to the region that had been home to their daily operations.

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Tribute from the Skies: A Salute to the Past

The final flight took off with a ceremonial water cannon salute, a traditional aviation gesture of respect. The crew waved from the cockpit as passengers—some of whom had flown Air India from Imphal for decades—took their seats with mixed emotions.

The significance of Air India Imphal airport operations was not just logistical but deeply emotional. It was a lifeline for Manipur’s residents, connecting them to cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati, and enabling economic, cultural, and familial ties to flourish.

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Legacy of Air India in Imphal

Imphal has been part of Air India’s route network since the airline’s early years. Over time, it became more than a flight destination—it became a hub of cultural exchange, tourism growth, and business development for Manipur.

Many retired employees, including ground staff and crew, attended the final departure to reminisce about their early days. They shared stories of delayed monsoon flights, first international passenger arrivals, and the evolution of air travel in the region.

One former employee remarked, “The Air India Imphal airport experience was always more than a job—it was a family. This farewell feels like saying goodbye to a piece of ourselves.”

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What Led to the Discontinuation?

While the exact reason behind Air India’s decision to cease operations at Imphal has not been officially clarified, industry insiders suggest strategic route restructuring and focus on more profitable corridors could be factors.

Sources also point to the growing presence of low-cost carriers in the northeast, which have been offering competitive fares and increased frequencies, pushing traditional full-service airlines to reconsider their operations.

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Community Reacts with Mixed Emotions

Locals and frequent travelers expressed a blend of sadness and gratitude. Social media was flooded with emotional messages, old flight photos, and farewell notes under hashtags like #ThankYouAirIndia and #ImphalFarewell.

For many, the Air India Imphal airport service represented trust, safety, and the pride of flying with the national carrier. “It’s like losing a childhood friend,” said a traveler who had taken the same route since his school days.

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Looking Ahead: Will Air India Return?

Though the exit is official, aviation experts believe that Air India may revisit its decision in the future, especially as the northeast continues to grow as a strategic and economic region. With government focus on regional connectivity, there is hope that the airline might return once demand stabilizes or infrastructure upgrades attract larger aircraft operations.

In the meantime, other airlines are expected to fill the void left by Air India, but the legacy of its presence at Imphal will remain unmatched.

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Conclusion: End of an Era, Start of Memories

The final departure from Air India Imphal airport may mark the end of regular flights, but the emotional legacy, loyalty of passengers, and historical significance will continue to resonate. As Manipur turns a new page in its aviation journey, it does so with gratitude for the national airline that served it faithfully for so long.