Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has criticized airlines for charging exorbitant airfares on flights to and from Imphal, terming it “daylight robbery.” With the state remaining cut off by road due to ongoing unrest and highway blockades for over two and a half years, people have been relying solely on air travel to reach Imphal. Singh pointed out that the prices are unfair, citing an example where a 45-minute flight to Guwahati costs more than a three-hour flight to Delhi.
Singh has urged Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu to take immediate action to rationalize airfares to and from Imphal. He emphasized that the government must ensure airlines stop exploiting the public, as passengers have no other travel option. The Chief Minister’s concerns come after he recently requested the formation of a committee to investigate air ticket pricing in Manipur.
The high airfares have significantly affected the common people of Manipur, with lakhs of people traveling by air and bearing the brunt of the exorbitant prices. The introduction of subsidized air tickets on specific routes has provided some relief, but more needs to be done to address the issue.
The government has taken steps to improve air connectivity in Manipur, including the launch of additional flight services under the viability gap funding scheme. The aim is to enhance connectivity, promote trade, travel, and tourism, and provide employment opportunities, thereby boosting the state’s economy.
