Imphal Airport’s new integrated terminal achieves 50 per cent progress despite conflict-related challenges

Construction of the New Integrated Terminal Building (NITB) at Imphal International Airport has reached approximately 50 per cent physical progress despite repeated disruptions caused by bandhs and economic blockades linked to the ongoing conflict situation in the state.

Addressing the media, Director of Imphal International Airport Chipemmi Keishing said the existing terminal building was constructed over 25 years ago and currently occupies around 7,000 square metres. He noted that the growth in aircraft operations and passenger traffic over the years has created an urgent need to upgrade the airport’s infrastructure.

To address congestion and improve passenger handling capacity, construction of the new terminal building was initiated on the eastern side of the existing airport terminal across an area of approximately 22,000 square metres.

Keishing stated that the project has achieved nearly 50 per cent physical completion and efforts are being made to ensure completion within the stipulated timeline. However, he stressed that uninterrupted logistics and transportation support remain essential for timely execution of the project.

Highlighting the features of the upcoming terminal, he said the new facility is being designed with elements reflecting Manipur’s cultural identity and heritage. The terminal will include four aerobridges, separate domestic and international arrival and departure zones, compliance with GRIHA 5-star green building standards, and parking facilities capable of accommodating around 1,000 cars and 15 buses.

He also elaborated on the challenges faced during construction amid the prevailing conflict conditions, including frequent bandhs and blockades that have affected the movement of materials and execution schedules.

Providing an overview of the airport’s growth trajectory, Keishing said Imphal International Airport has recorded substantial expansion in aircraft movement and passenger traffic over the past 12 years.

In 2014, the airport handled approximately four arrivals and four departures daily, with fewer than 500 arriving and departing passengers each day. At present, the airport manages more than 16 scheduled arrivals and 16 scheduled departures daily, while total aircraft movements, including non-scheduled operations, often exceed 50 flights per day.

Passenger traffic has also increased considerably, with nearly 3,000 arriving and 3,000 departing passengers being handled on a daily basis, he added.

According to Keishing, Imphal is currently connected to all major metropolitan cities across India. Under the UDAN scheme, the airport has also strengthened connectivity with multiple destinations across the Northeast region.

He further informed that the Union Cabinet approved the proposal in 2019 to rename Imphal International Airport as Bir Tikendrajit International Airport, although approval from the Ministry concerned is still awaited.

During the interaction, Keishing also announced that Yatri Suvidha Diwas 2026 will be observed on June 15 as part of a nationwide initiative across airports.

He said the observance aims to enhance passenger experience and reaffirm the commitment to delivering safe, secure, efficient and passenger-friendly airport services.

The celebration in Manipur will feature cultural programmes, painting competitions and ceremonial welcoming of passengers with tikka, among other activities.