Imphal | Ahead of the nationwide Yatri Suvidha Diwas (Passenger Convenience Day) on June 15, this year, Imphal International Airport officials detailed a massive 12-year transformation and unveiled aggressive expansion plans.

Once a quiet regional airstrip handling just four daily flights in 2014, the airport has evolved into a vital economic lifeline for Manipur. Today, it regularly manages over 50 aircraft movements and 6,000 passengers daily, connecting the rail-isolated state to major Indian metros and the Northeast via the UDAN scheme.

Red Carpet & Culture Planned for June 15

To celebrate the spirit of customer service, Imphal Airport has lined up an extensive itinerary to welcome travellers:

Cultural Galas: Passengers will receive a traditional Tika welcome, alongside live performances of traditional Manipuri drum dances and Thang-Ta martial arts.

Health & Community: A free medical camp will open at the arrival canopy for commuters, airport workers, and taxi drivers, supported by a multi-agency voluntary blood donation drive.

Next-Gen Tours: Students from UNACO, Meitram, will visit for an aviation awareness tour, featuring live Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) demonstrations.

Infrastructure Surge: The New 22,000 Sqm Terminal

To permanently solve congestion in the ageing 7,500 square meter current terminal, construction of a state-of-the-art New Integrated Terminal Building (NITB) is underway on the eastern side of the airfield. To mention the project milestone, the NITB has officially achieved 50% physical progress.

The upcoming terminal facility will feature:

 * Four advanced aerobridges with segregated domestic and international zones.

 *GRIHA 5-Star Green Building standards powered by a planned 1 MW rooftop solar system.

 * Cultural architecture mirroring Manipur’s heritage, alongside parking for 1,000 cars and 15 buses.

Until the NITB opens, the existing terminal is being continuously upgraded with refurbished washrooms and expanded seating based on passenger feedback.

Trade, Tech, and Modernisation

Imphal has quietly become a tech leader in regional airspace, standing as the second airport in the Northeast (after Guwahati) equipped with advanced radar surveillance, backed by Low Visibility Procedures (LVP) for adverse weather.

Furthermore, a newly completed Cargo Terminal is slated for immediate inauguration. Once fully operationalised, it will allow all commercial airlines to handle heavy cargo, providing an unprecedented boost to trade and commerce across Manipur.

Passenger-First Upgrades

Recent upgrades to the existing terminal have nearly doubled the Security Hold Area (SHA) capacity from 250 to 450 passengers and boosted check-in counters to 18. New amenities include free Wi-Fi, a Kid Zone, a Child Care Room, a “Flybrary,” and dedicated facilities for Divyangjan (differently-abled) travellers. Management also confirmed the upcoming launch of the UDAN Café, which will offer subsidised tea for ₹10 and coffee for ₹20.

Officials concluded by highlighting 20 completed CSR projects across Manipur, reaffirming that despite logistical challenges, the team remains dedicated to placing passengers at the centre of everything they do.