Imphal-Mandalay air service commences, 1st flight lands in Manipur

Imphal: In an effort to enhance air connectivity between India and Myanmar, a chartered flight from Mandalay with 72 passengers on board successfully landed at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport in Imphal on Saturday.

According to reports, as soon as the privately-owned Air KBZ aircraft landed, the it was welcomed by the traditional water canon salute.

Meanwhile, as many as 48 passengers, including five officials, departed from the Imphal airport en route to Mandalay in Myanmar.

Ticket prices, as per reports, start from Rs 14,000 and flights will be operated by the Yangon-based Air KBZ under the Manipur department of transport.

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Initially, the flight service will be operational thrice a week. However, the state government aims to persuade the Union ministry of civil aviation for regular flight services.

Education minister Th Radheshyam said: “The opening of Imphal-Mandalay flights at Imphal Airport will transform the transportation network of Northeast India and will boost regional economy.”

With the commencement of an international air service from Imphal, the Northeast region, especially Manipur, has opened a gateway to the Southeast Asian countries under the Union government’s Act East Policy and improve people-to-people contact.

Besides Radheshyam, minister for health and family welfare L Jayantakumar Singh, CAF&PD minister Karam Shyam, chief secretary Dr J Suresh Babu and other state officials were also present at the aircraft landing ceremony.