By India Through Assam Desk
Published: June 21, 2025
For decades, Air India has represented more than just an airline for the people of the Northeast. It has been a symbol of national integration, a lifeline connecting remote cities like Imphal, Silchar, Aizawl, and Agartala to India’s commercial and political hubs. However, recent developments have sent ripples across the region’s aviation landscape.
On paper, this may look like a rebranding or cost-optimization step. But for frequent flyers, business travelers, medical patients, students, and regional policymakers—this shift signals deeper concerns about accessibility, affordability, and equality in national air connectivity.
📍 The Withdrawal: A Strategic Shake-Up
The withdrawal isn’t an isolated change. It’s part of a broader overhaul following the Tata Group’s acquisition of Air India. The vision is clear: create a leaner, profit-oriented airline group by consolidating operations under Air India (full-service) and Air India Express (low-cost + international focus).
Under this reorganization:
- Air India Express has absorbed routes like Delhi–Imphal–Aizawl–Agartala
- Some direct flights from the Northeast to metro cities have been cut or rerouted
- Smaller stations like Silchar, Tezpur, and Shillong now face reduced or no Air India service
While this may improve profitability for the airline, it raises red flags about regional inclusiveness in aviation policy.
“Assam Tourism 2025: 10 Most Beautiful Places You Shouldn’t Miss”
🧭 Why the Northeast Needs Special Connectivity
The Northeast region of India comprises eight states—each rich in culture, biodiversity, and strategic relevance. But it remains geographically isolated, connected to the rest of India via the narrow Siliguri Corridor.Due to challenging terrain, road and rail infrastructure often lag behind, making air connectivity a crucial mode of travel. Over the years, routes like Imphal–Delhi or Silchar–Kolkata have become lifelines for patients seeking medical care, students heading to universities, and government officials managing inter-state affairs.By pulling out from these sectors, Air India may be inadvertently shrinking access for communities that rely on reliable national air routes.
Due to challenging terrain, road and rail infrastructure often lag behind, making air connectivity a crucial mode of travel. Over the years, routes like Imphal–Delhi or Silchar–Kolkata have become lifelines for patients seeking medical care, students heading to universities, and government officials managing inter-state affairs.
By pulling out from these sectors, Air India may be inadvertently shrinking access for communities that rely on reliable national air routes.
🧳 What This Means for Travelers
Let’s look at the changes from a passenger’s point of view:
1. Fewer Flights, More Layovers
Direct flights are being replaced by multi-stop or layover-based routes, especially between tier-2 cities and metros like Delhi or Bengaluru. This means:
- Longer travel times
- Missed medical appointments
- Increased fatigue for elderly passengers or patients
2. Uncertain Timings & Inconsistent Service
Low-cost carriers like Air India Express often have less consistent daily schedules. If you miss a flight, the next option might be 24 or 48 hours later—especially in cities like Silchar or Dibrugarh.
3. Baggage & Meal Policies
Air India’s traditional full-service model included:
- Free 25 kg baggage
- In-flight meals
- Flexible ticket changes
With Air India Express, passengers now face:
- Limited baggage (15–20 kg max)
- Paid meals
- Stricter rebooking policies
For long-distance fliers from remote cities, this can significantly raise the overall travel cost, even if the base fare appears cheaper.
ASSAM CULTURE: The Living Heritage of the Northeast
📉 Economic & Social Impact on the Region
Air connectivity isn’t just about convenience. It drives regional development, investments, tourism, and job creation. The pull-out of Air India can directly or indirectly affect:
🏨 1. Tourism Industry
States like Mizoram, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh are pushing for eco-tourism and cultural tourism. Limited flights and higher costs may reduce tourist footfall—especially for domestic travelers from North and South India.
🏥 2. Medical Emergencies
Cities like Silchar and Guwahati are hubs for patients from Barak Valley and neighboring states. Reduced air options mean patients must now rely on longer, riskier road journeys, or spend more for private airlines.
🎓 3. Student & Migrant Connectivity
Northeast students studying in metros often return home during breaks. More expensive or fewer flights can discourage them, adding emotional and financial stress to already struggling families.
✈️ The Shift to Air India Express: A Mixed Bag
While the removal of Air India services has been criticized, Air India Express is attempting to fill the gap. It has introduced flights on select Northeast sectors with lower fares and increased aircraft efficiency.
However, Air India Express still lacks:
- Full-service facilities
- **Local office presence in
🌟 Hidden Wonders of Meghalaya: Exploring Uncharted Caves, Waterfalls & Villages in 2025
✈️ Broader Impact on Northeast India’s Growth Trajectory
Air India’s decision to restructure its routes in the Northeast region has sparked mixed reactions among travelers, business leaders, and government stakeholders. While some applaud the airline’s effort to enhance operational efficiency and network optimization, others express concern about the reduced number of direct flights from key locations like Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Imphal, and Agartala.
The Northeast states have long struggled with limited air connectivity, making such routes crucial not only for tourism but also for trade, healthcare access, and educational travel. With Air India reducing or altering its flight schedules, there is apprehension that smaller towns and remote areas might again be left isolated from the national mainstream.
However, industry experts suggest that this move could open doors for regional carriers like FlyBig, Alliance Air, and Indigo, which have shown growing interest in expanding services in the Northeast. These airlines might step in to fill the connectivity gaps left by Air India’s route shake-ups, potentially improving regional air access and offering competitive pricing.
✈️ Government Initiatives and Regional Connectivity Schemes
The Central Government’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme has already been working to improve air connectivity in remote areas of the Northeast. Air India’s route optimization may prompt more private players to bid for regional routes under the UDAN initiative, enhancing overall accessibility.
Assam Beef Ban: Business Game in the Name of Religion?
At the same time, the North Eastern Council (NEC) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation are expected to monitor the evolving air traffic dynamics and work collaboratively with airline operators to ensure that no region remains disconnected.
✈️ What Travelers Can Expect
For frequent flyers in the Northeast, these changes mean they must adjust their travel plans, possibly opting for connecting flights instead of direct ones. While this could result in slightly longer travel times, it may also offer more flexible timing options and new destinations through better network partnerships.
In the long run, if the changes are managed well, travelers could benefit from improved flight frequencies, better aircraft, and modernized services, aligning with Air India’s vision post-privatization.
✈️ Final Thoughts
Air India’s Northeast route shake-up highlights the evolving nature of India’s civil aviation industry. Whether these changes will boost regional economic growth or create temporary connectivity challenges depends largely on how quickly alternate solutions are implemented and how responsive the aviation ecosystem remains to the unique needs of the Northeast.
🌄 Plan Your Trip to Northeast India with Us!
Want to explore the untouched beauty of the Northeast?
From the misty mountains of Mizoram to the living root bridges of Meghalaya, and the cultural heart of Assam — we’ve got you covered!
✅ Personalized Travel Itinerary
✅ Local Guides & 24/7 Support
✅ Best Hotel & Homestay Options
✅ Group Tours & Solo Packages
✅ Affordable, Safe & Hassle-Free
📩 Contact us today and let’s start planning your dream trip!
📞 Call/WhatsApp: 8453980642
🧳 Book your Northeast adventure now – Discover places you’ve only dreamed of!