Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev Urges Tata Sons to Reconsider Air India's Silchar Exit

In the wake of Air India’s decision to suspend all operations to and from Silchar Airport starting June 1, 2025, Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev has formally appealed to Tata Sons Chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, urging him to reconsider the move that she describes as a “major setback” for Barak Valley’s connectivity and economy.

In a letter dated May 14, Dev expressed deep concern over the airline’s withdrawal, calling it a blow to nearly seven decades of air connectivity that began in 1955. She highlighted that the decision would adversely affect the 40-lakh-strong population of Barak Valley, spread across the districts of Cachar, Sribhumi (Karimganj), and Hailakandi.

“The impending suspension has caused disappointment among frequent flyers, business travellers, and medical patients who have long relied on the national carrier for access to major cities like Guwahati, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Delhi,” Dev wrote.

Pointing to the region’s fragile road and rail links, especially during monsoons, Dev noted that air travel remains the most reliable option for Barak Valley. “Silchar Airport is a crucial lifeline not just for southern Assam, but also for neighbouring states like Mizoram, Tripura, and Manipur,” she added.

The Trinamool Congress leader also questioned the timing of the decision, considering the central government’s push for a Greenfield Airport in Cachar and the availability of UDAN, the regional connectivity scheme meant to support underserved areas.

In a video message, Sushmita Dev questioned the abrupt nature of the decision, stating, “It’s still unclear why this move was made so suddenly. On one hand, the Modi government talks about developing a new airport in Silchar and has already completed land acquisition. On the other hand, the UDAN scheme exists specifically to support air connectivity in non-profitable sectors through subsidies. This decision doesn’t align with either initiative”.

“I’ve also shared a copy of my letter with the Chief Minister, and I hope he, who often speaks of development and industrial growth, will step in to help uncover the reasons behind this withdrawal”, Dev concluded.

Citing economic development and accessibility concerns, Dev appealed to Tata Sons to reverse the decision and continue serving the region through Air India.

So far, the airline has not publicly disclosed the reason behind its exit from Silchar.