Air India to Cease Silchar Flights After 70 Years, Sparking Regional Concerns
In an important change, Air India has announced the suspension of all flight operations to and from Silchar Airport, effective June 1, 2025. This decision marks the end of nearly 70 years of continuous service, with the final flight on the Silchar–Kolkata route scheduled for May 31.
Since its inaugural service in 1955, Air India (formerly Indian Airlines) has been a vital link connecting Silchar to major cities, particularly Kolkata. The daily flight on this route has been a lifeline for residents, averaging over 120 passengers per trip.
While Air India has not provided an official reason for the suspension, internal communications suggest organizational restructuring, including voluntary retirement options for permanent staff. The fate of contractual employees remains uncertain.
The withdrawal is expected to significantly impact regional connectivity in the Barak Valley, where air travel is crucial due to limited and often unreliable road and rail infrastructure, especially during monsoons. With Air India's exit, only IndiGo and Alliance Air will continue serving Silchar, raising concerns over potential capacity shortages and increased airfares.
Local leaders and residents have expressed dismay over the decision. Silchar MP Parimal Suklabaidya has pledged to urge the Union Civil Aviation Minister to retain the route, emphasizing its importance for the region's connectivity. Former MP Dr. Rajdeep Roy and Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev have also voiced concerns, highlighting the potential adverse effects on passengers and the local economy.
As the region grapples with this development, stakeholders are calling for intervention to ensure continued, affordable air connectivity for Silchar and the broader Barak Valley
Since its inaugural service in 1955, Air India (formerly Indian Airlines) has been a vital link connecting Silchar to major cities, particularly Kolkata. The daily flight on this route has been a lifeline for residents, averaging over 120 passengers per trip.
While Air India has not provided an official reason for the suspension, internal communications suggest organizational restructuring, including voluntary retirement options for permanent staff. The fate of contractual employees remains uncertain.
The withdrawal is expected to significantly impact regional connectivity in the Barak Valley, where air travel is crucial due to limited and often unreliable road and rail infrastructure, especially during monsoons. With Air India's exit, only IndiGo and Alliance Air will continue serving Silchar, raising concerns over potential capacity shortages and increased airfares.
Local leaders and residents have expressed dismay over the decision. Silchar MP Parimal Suklabaidya has pledged to urge the Union Civil Aviation Minister to retain the route, emphasizing its importance for the region's connectivity. Former MP Dr. Rajdeep Roy and Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev have also voiced concerns, highlighting the potential adverse effects on passengers and the local economy.
As the region grapples with this development, stakeholders are calling for intervention to ensure continued, affordable air connectivity for Silchar and the broader Barak Valley
