In a significant boost to connectivity in the northeast region of India, Air India Express has announced a substantial increase in flight operations from Guwahati, Agartala, and Imphal as part of its expanded winter schedule. This move aligns with the airline’s broader strategy to enhance its domestic network and cater to the growing demand for air travel in emerging cities.
Expanded Services from Guwahati
The airline has scaled up its operations from Guwahati to 106 weekly flights this winter, a notable rise from 63 weekly flights during the same period last year. Air India Express now offers direct connectivity from Guwahati to eight key domestic destinations, including:
- Agartala
- Bengaluru
- Chennai
- Delhi
- Hyderabad
- Imphal
- Jaipur
- Kolkata
In addition, travellers can access one-stop connectivity from Guwahati to 18 other domestic destinations and six international destinations, making it a vital hub for both regional and international travel.
Increased Connectivity from Imphal
Imphal has also seen a marked increase in services, with the airline upping its weekly flights to 34 this winter, a rise of 20 flights compared to the previous season. The enhanced schedule is expected to bolster Imphal’s position as a key travel node in the northeast, enabling better connectivity for residents and tourists alike.
Strengthened Services from Agartala
Since introducing Agartala as a station in September 2024, Air India Express has steadily expanded its operations from the city. The airline now operates 21 weekly flights from Agartala, up from 14 flights initially. These flights provide direct links to Guwahati and Kolkata, along with one-stop connectivity to 11 domestic destinations.
Boost to Regional Travel and Tourism
Air India Express’ expanded operations aim to make travel to and from the northeast more accessible, fostering greater opportunities for tourism and economic growth. The Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Air India Express, Ankur Garg, emphasised the importance of this expansion in a statement:
“The expansion not only facilitates easier travel for those wishing to explore the northeast but also strengthens Guwahati’s role as a vital link with the rest of the country.”
Garg also highlighted the airline’s growing capabilities:
“With our fleet now exceeding 90 aircraft and rapidly growing, we are well-positioned to support the evolving needs of emerging Indian cities.”
Strategic Importance of Northeast Connectivity
The northeast region, known for its unique culture, scenic beauty, and growing economic potential, has long been underserved in terms of air connectivity. The increased flight operations by Air India Express are expected to provide a significant boost to the region by:
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- Encouraging tourism to northeast states like Assam, Tripura, and Manipur.
- Enhancing ease of travel for residents, reducing reliance on long road or rail journeys.
- Supporting the movement of goods and people, aiding local businesses and trade.
- Strengthening Guwahati’s role as a key transit hub for travellers within India and abroad.
Meeting Emerging Demand
The increased services come at a time when air travel in India is experiencing robust growth, particularly in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Air India Express, with its low-cost model and expanding fleet, is well-positioned to tap into this demand. The airline’s focus on improving connectivity in under-served regions aligns with the broader national vision of enhancing infrastructure and regional integration.
Looking Ahead
With these expansions, Air India Express is not just addressing immediate travel needs but also laying the groundwork for long-term growth in the region. The airline’s commitment to increasing connectivity and its investment in fleet expansion demonstrate a clear strategy to remain a key player in India’s evolving aviation landscape.
As the winter schedule takes off, the northeast stands to benefit from improved accessibility, opening up new horizons for travel, tourism, and trade. This development marks a step forward in integrating the region more closely with the rest of the country, offering travellers greater convenience and choice.
