Silchar: The Barak Democratic Front (BDF) has vehemently criticized Air India’s decision to cease its operations from Silchar effective June 1. In a press release, the BDF expressed that Air India’s abrupt suspension of its Silchar-Kolkata flight service, which has been a dependable option for air travelers in Barak Valley for decades, is profoundly regrettable. The BDF has called for an immediate reassessment and reversal of this decision. Air India has announced the termination of all its flight operations to and from Silchar airport starting June 1, with the final flight scheduled for May 31. Indian Airlines first established a connection from Silchar to other regions of the country in 1955.
Consequently, passengers will now have to depend solely on private airlines such as IndiGo and Alliance Air. Reliable sources suggest that employees at Silchar airport may be reassigned. The specific rationale behind this decision has not yet been officially disclosed; however, another source indicated that the Tata group-operated airline plans to introduce ‘Air India Express’ flight services from Silchar in September. The BDF stated that this flight service has been crucial for transporting critically ill patients and mortal remains, and its sudden termination would pose significant challenges for local passengers. There are also concerns regarding a potential increase in ticket prices for the remaining services offered by IndiGo and Alliance Air.
