Major news coming from Northeast India! Air India has announced to stop its all flight operations to and from Silchar Airport from June 1, 2025. This announcement also marks the end of an era (nearly 70 years of continuous service). The airline's final scheduled flight on the popular Silchar-Kolkata route is set to depart on May 31.
However, the airline has not issued any formal statement explaining the reasons behind the move. As per reports, a communication has already been sent within the airline, confirming the suspension and offering voluntary retirement to Air India’s permanent station manager based in Silchar. However, there is widespread uncertainty regarding the fate of several contractual employees at the station, with no information provided about potential reassignment or compensation.
Air India started services in Silchar in 1955 and has played an important role in connecting the Barak Valley region with the rest of India. The Silchar-Kolkata route, in particular, has historically been a crucial link for both business and personal travel. The daily service has consistently reported high occupancy, averaging around 120 passengers per flight.
The decision to withdraw from Silchar is expected to create a major void in regional air connectivity. The city, located in the remote Barak Valley of Assam, faces frequent challenges with surface transport, especially during the monsoon season when road and rail links are often disrupted. In this context, air travel remains an essential mode of transportation for residents and businesses in the region.
However, two carriers — IndiGo and Alliance Air — will continue to serve Silchar. This limited presence raises concerns about potential capacity issues and a surge in airfare due to increased demand.
Anxiety among regular flyers
The announcement has made regular flyers anxious. Local residents and regional stakeholders are also worried now. A number of people have called for the intervention of civil aviation authorities to ensure that Silchar and the surrounding areas do not become isolated. Community leaders and business groups are urging the government to either press Air India to reconsider its decision or encourage other airlines to fill the gap and maintain affordable and reliable service.
This development marks a turning point in the aviation history of Silchar.
However, the airline has not issued any formal statement explaining the reasons behind the move. As per reports, a communication has already been sent within the airline, confirming the suspension and offering voluntary retirement to Air India’s permanent station manager based in Silchar. However, there is widespread uncertainty regarding the fate of several contractual employees at the station, with no information provided about potential reassignment or compensation.
Air India started services in Silchar in 1955 and has played an important role in connecting the Barak Valley region with the rest of India. The Silchar-Kolkata route, in particular, has historically been a crucial link for both business and personal travel. The daily service has consistently reported high occupancy, averaging around 120 passengers per flight.
The decision to withdraw from Silchar is expected to create a major void in regional air connectivity. The city, located in the remote Barak Valley of Assam, faces frequent challenges with surface transport, especially during the monsoon season when road and rail links are often disrupted. In this context, air travel remains an essential mode of transportation for residents and businesses in the region.
However, two carriers — IndiGo and Alliance Air — will continue to serve Silchar. This limited presence raises concerns about potential capacity issues and a surge in airfare due to increased demand.
Anxiety among regular flyers
The announcement has made regular flyers anxious. Local residents and regional stakeholders are also worried now. A number of people have called for the intervention of civil aviation authorities to ensure that Silchar and the surrounding areas do not become isolated. Community leaders and business groups are urging the government to either press Air India to reconsider its decision or encourage other airlines to fill the gap and maintain affordable and reliable service.
This development marks a turning point in the aviation history of Silchar.
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