Ahead of the nationwide observance of Yatri Suvidha Diwas 2026 on June 15, Airport Director Chipemmi Keishing highlighted the development and progress achieved by Bir Tikendrajit International Airport over the past 12 years while outlining preparations for the event.
Addressing media personnel at a press meet held today at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport, Chipemmi Keishing stated that Yatri Suvidha Diwas, meaning “Passenger Convenience Day,” is a customer-centric initiative aimed at enhancing the travel experience of passengers and reaffirming the commitment of airport authorities to provide safe, secure, efficient, and passenger-friendly services.
He informed that several activities have been planned as part of the observance and said the occasion would also serve as an opportunity to showcase the major achievements and infrastructure developments undertaken at Imphal International Airport over the last decade.
Providing an overview of the airport, the Director said that Bir Tikendrajit International Airport, located about eight kilometres south of Imphal city, has been operational since the mid-1960s and serves as a crucial gateway for the people of Manipur. In the absence of rail connectivity and due to periodic disruptions in road transportation, the airport continues to play a vital role in connecting the state with the rest of the country.
The Director recalled that a major milestone was achieved on October 30, 2013, when Imphal Airport was officially declared an International Airport through a Government Gazette notification. Bhubaneswar Airport was also granted international status on the same day.
Although regular international flight services have yet to commence, he noted that the airport possesses the necessary infrastructure and facilities to handle international operations. During the Sangai Festival in 2013, a chartered flight from Myanmar successfully operated through Imphal. Since then, the State Government and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) have been actively engaging with airline operators to introduce regular international flight services from the state capital.
Highlighting the airport’s growth, Chipemmi Keishing said that air traffic and passenger movement have increased substantially over the past 12 years. In 2014, the airport handled only about four arrivals and four departures daily, with fewer than 500 passengers arriving and departing each day.
At present, the airport handles more than 16 scheduled arrivals and 16 scheduled departures daily. Including non-scheduled flights, total aircraft movements frequently exceed 50 per day.
Passenger traffic has also witnessed a sharp rise, with the airport now handling approximately 3,000 arriving and 3,000 departing passengers on a daily basis.
The Director further stated that Imphal is now connected to all major metropolitan cities of the country. Under the UDAN scheme, the airport has also strengthened connectivity with several destinations across the Northeast region, further enhancing regional and national air connectivity.
