In a significant development, 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 seven decades of continuous service, with the final flight on the Silchar-Kolkata route scheduled for May 31, 2025.
A Historical Connection Severed
Since its inaugural flight in 1955, Air India (formerly Indian Airlines) has been instrumental in connecting Silchar to major Indian cities. The Silchar-Kolkata route, in particular, has been a vital link for residents of the Barak Valley, facilitating travel, commerce, and cultural exchange.
Reasons Behind the Suspension
While Air India has not officially disclosed the reasons for this suspension, internal communications suggest organizational restructuring. Reports indicate that permanent staff have been offered voluntary retirement, leaving contractual employees uncertain about their future.
Additionally, the recent geopolitical tensions resulting from Operation Sindoor have led to airspace restrictions, impacting flight operations across northern India. These developments have disrupted air travel, with several airlines, including Air India, canceling or rerouting flights.
Impact on Regional Connectivity
Silchar Airport, located in Kumbhirgram, is the fourth-busiest airport in Northeast India, handling over 483,000 passengers annually. The airport serves as a crucial gateway for the Barak Valley, especially during monsoons when road and rail connectivity are often compromised.
With Air India’s exit, only IndiGo and Alliance Air will continue operations from Silchar, raising concerns about reduced capacity and increased airfares. Local residents, business travelers, and stakeholders have expressed apprehension over the potential isolation of the region and are urging authorities to ensure sustained and affordable air connectivity.
Looking Ahead
The suspension of Air India’s services to Silchar underscores the need for a comprehensive strategy to enhance regional connectivity in Northeast India. Stakeholders are calling for increased investment in infrastructure, promotion of regional airlines, and policy interventions to ensure that the region remains connected to the rest of the country.
Political Reactions:
Sushmita Dev, Former Silchar Loksabha MP and present Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP, wrote to TATA Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran, highlighting the adverse impact on over 40 lakh residents in Cachar, Sribhumi, and Hailakandi districts. She questioned the rationale behind the move and stressed the necessity of uninterrupted air connectivity to Kolkata.
Image Courtesy: Air India/ X
