Imphal : Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Tuesday flagged off SpiceJet’s new direct flight services linking Imphal with Guwahati, Kolkata and Mumbai, describing the move as a major boost to connectivity, economic integration and mobility for the state.

The inaugural ceremony was held at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport, Imphal, in the presence of elected representatives, senior civil and police officials, and airport authorities.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said enhanced air connectivity is central to the broader vision of building a “Viksit Manipur” in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s goal of a Viksit Bharat. He noted that given the prevailing circumstances, air travel has increasingly become the most dependable and preferred mode of transportation for people travelling outside the state.

“With improved direct connectivity to major cities like Guwahati, Kolkata and Mumbai, passengers from Manipur will have better access to economic, educational and healthcare opportunities across the country,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of affordability, Singh urged SpiceJet to periodically review its airfare structure to ensure that tickets remain accessible to the common public. He stressed that enhanced connectivity should translate into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens, including students, traders and patients travelling for medical treatment.

As part of the ceremony, the Chief Minister handed over the boarding pass to the first passenger of the SpiceJet flight bound for Guwahati, marking the formal commencement of operations on the new routes.

The event was attended by Lok Sabha MP Dr Bimol Akoijam, Thanga MLA Tongbram Robindro Singh, Chingai MLA Khashim Vashum, Additional Chief Secretary Anurag Bajpai, Director of Transport Khumanthem Diana and Superintendent of Police (Imphal West) Ksh Shivakanta Singh. Senior officials from the Airports Authority of India were also present.

The programme featured ceremonial candle lighting, ribbon cutting and cake cutting, underscoring the significance of the new services for Manipur’s aviation and transport landscape.

With the addition of direct flights to key metropolitan hubs, the state government expressed hope that the improved connectivity would stimulate tourism, trade and investment while easing travel for residents.