Imphal, January 30: Budget carrier SpiceJet has announced its entry into Manipur with the launch of its first-ever scheduled flight services to Imphal, marking a significant step towards improving air connectivity in the Northeast. The airline said the new services will commence from February 10, 2026, providing passengers with more travel options and strengthening links between Manipur and key cities across the country.
According to a statement issued by the airline on Friday, SpiceJet will operate daily Boeing 737 flights connecting Imphal with Kolkata, Guwahati, and Mumbai. The services from Kolkata and Guwahati will be operated as non-stop flights, while passengers travelling between Mumbai and Imphal will be able to fly on the same aircraft with a brief halt in Kolkata, eliminating the inconvenience of changing planes during the journey.
The launch marks SpiceJet's first-ever commercial operations to Imphal and forms part of the airline's strategy to expand its presence in the North Eastern region. The carrier said the introduction of these routes is expected to significantly enhance accessibility to Manipur, which currently has relatively limited air connectivity compared to several other parts of the country.
Airline officials noted that the new services would benefit a broad spectrum of travellers, including residents, tourists, students, government officials, business professionals, and patients seeking specialised medical treatment outside the state. Increased flight frequency and additional seat capacity are also expected to provide greater convenience, flexibility, and competitive travel options for passengers.
In addition to providing direct connectivity with Kolkata, Guwahati, and Mumbai, the new flights will enable seamless onward travel through SpiceJet's domestic network, allowing passengers from Manipur to connect more conveniently to several major Indian cities and selected international destinations served by the airline.
The improved connectivity is expected to boost tourism, facilitate business and trade, and strengthen economic ties between Manipur and other parts of the country. Better air links are also likely to support educational exchanges, healthcare access, and government travel while encouraging greater investment in the state.
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Commenting on the launch, SpiceJet Chief Business Officer Debojo Maharshi described the commencement of Imphal operations as an important milestone in the airline's expansion across the Northeast. He said strengthening regional connectivity has remained one of SpiceJet's key priorities, particularly in areas where improved transportation infrastructure can contribute to economic development and social integration.
Maharshi expressed confidence that the new services would improve mobility for passengers while supporting the broader development of Manipur by facilitating easier movement of people and businesses. He added that SpiceJet remains committed to expanding its network and offering reliable, affordable air travel to underserved regions of the country.
The introduction of SpiceJet's services is expected to further strengthen Manipur's aviation connectivity and provide passengers with greater choice, convenience, and improved access to destinations across India.
