Air India Discontinues 50-Year Flight Service Between Silchar and Kolkata
Air India Shuts Down Silchar Operations: A Farewell to Seven Decades of Service
Prepare to bid adieu to almost seven decades of Air India services in Silchar, as the airline officially announced the discontinuation of all flights to the region, effective June 1, 2025. Back in the days of yore, on May 24, 1955, Air India (then known as Indian Airlines) made its inaugural flight from Silchar, located in the heart of Assam, connecting it to major Indian cities, serving as a lifeline for travel, trade, and cultural exchange.
Fast forward to our boisterous modern age, and the last Air India flight between Kolkata and Silchar took its final departure on June 1, 2025. AI 753 arrived at Silchar Airport at 7:05 AM, harboring 117 eager passengers ready to step ashore. Shortly thereafter, the return flight, AI 754, soared into the skies carrying a mere 52 souls, leaving behind a time-worn chapter in the history books.
Mournful thoughts creep into our minds upon realizing the absence of the Silchar-Kolkata route—a vital connection for the good folks of the Barak Valley. The lack of these flights is likely to leave a significant impact on the local community, who've relied heavily on this service for both personal and professional reasons over the decades.
Despite this glum turn of events, rays of hope creep through the clouds. Parimal Suklabaidya, MP for Silchar, voiced concerns over recent flight suspensions, echoing sentiments of fear and uncertainty as frequent floods continues to bleed the region of its already limited transport options. In an open letter to Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, the Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, Suklabaidya expressed hope that their concerns would be taken into account, ensuring continuity in air travel for the region.
Looking forward, Assam's air connectivity is far from doomed. IndiGo Airlines is planning to debut a morning flight connecting Guwahati and Silchar in the near future, providing a much-needed boost to direct air travel between these cities. Besides, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's recent meeting with the Union Minister of Civil Aviation explored ways to expedite the expansion of air connectivity and airport infrastructure, including the evolution of Silchar's greenfield airport, intended to uplift the region's aviation sector.
Our hearts swell with pride as we hear about the Assam government's ambition to construct its inaugural expressway. Projected to cost a staggering ₹25,000 crore, this expressway aims to slash the travel time between action-packed Guwahati and serene Silchar down to a mere four hours, enabling seamless movement of people and goods between these twin economic and tourism hubs.
Worry not, folks, as we approach a new dawn in Silchar's aviation journey. Despite Air India's departure, new connections and opportunities are on the horizon. Revitalized ties between Assam and IndiGo Airlines, planned expansions like Silchar's greenfield airport, and ambitious infrastructure projects all point towards a brighter and more connected future for the city and its people. Rejoice and prepare for the takeoff of a new era! ✈️🌟
Sports enthusiasts in Silchar may find it challenging to travel for their favorite matches, given the suspension of the Air India flights in the region. The discontinuation of the Silchar-Kolkata route will undoubtedly affect sports participation and spectatorship, as many locals have relied on this service for regional and national sporting events over the years.
