Concerns over Tripura’s air connectivity have resurfaced following reports that IndiGo’s direct Agartala–Hyderabad flight may be withdrawn from October 1, raising fresh questions about the availability and affordability of air services from the state.
The proposed change comes at a time when passengers are already complaining about high airfares and limited direct connections to major cities. The situation has become a growing concern for students, patients, professionals, business travellers and families who frequently travel outside Tripura for education, medical treatment, employment and other purposes.
According to a report citing a letter written by Tripura Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury to Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu in August, the state government had sought central intervention to protect existing air services and restore routes that have been discontinued. The minister also highlighted changes involving several airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express and Akasa Air.
The possible withdrawal of the Agartala–Hyderabad direct service is significant as Hyderabad has become an important destination for people from Tripura, particularly those seeking specialised healthcare, higher education and professional opportunities. A direct connection allows passengers to avoid lengthy layovers and flight changes, which can otherwise increase both travel time and expenses.
Passengers have also expressed concern over the steep cost of air tickets. Fare listings for Agartala–Hyderabad travel during September and October indicate considerable variation, with one-way fares on several dates falling in the range of Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 15,000 or more.
The issue has therefore expanded beyond the continuation of a single flight. There is increasing demand for sustained efforts to maintain adequate flight capacity, encourage competition among airlines and prevent important routes from becoming inaccessible to ordinary travellers.
For a geographically distant state like Tripura, reliable and reasonably priced air connectivity remains crucial for healthcare, education, business, tourism and employment. The latest development has renewed calls for coordinated action by the state government, the Centre and airlines to strengthen rather than reduce direct air links from Agartala.
