Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: Imphal International Airport has seen a significant rise in traffic, establishing itself as the second-busiest hub in the North-East Region. The facility now manages over 16 daily scheduled arrivals and departures, serving approximately 3,000 passengers each day. This marks a substantial increase from 2014, when the airport handled only eight total daily flights and fewer than 500 passengers.
The growth stems partly from restricted road travel on Manipur National Highways following ethnic unrest that began in May 2023. Despite higher airfares, the airport continues to attract more commuters. To support this demand, authorities are building a 22,000-square-metre New Integrated Terminal Building. Construction is roughly halfway finished, with features including four aerobridges, specialized zones for international and domestic travel, and parking for 1,000 vehicles.
Manipur Additional Chief Secretary Anurag Bajpai confirmed that officials are aiming to finish the project by late 2026. He noted that success depends on logistical support, stating, "efforts are underway to complete the project by the December 31, 2026 deadline, though timely completion will depend on smooth logistical and transportation support."
In the interim, the airport has upgraded existing amenities to improve passenger comfort. Expansions to the Security Hold Area have doubled its capacity to 450 people, and check-in counters have increased to 18. New additions include dedicated child care rooms, workspaces, and initiatives to highlight local craftsmanship, ensuring the facility meets both current needs and long-term service standards.
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