The Manipur State Cabinet has officially approved the restart of helicopter services connecting remote hill districts with Imphal. These important flights were stopped earlier on October 1, 2026. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh led the cabinet meeting on Thursday, October 22, 2026, where this decision was finalized.
The state government has partnered with Pawan Hans Limited, which is an enterprise of the Government of India.
One twin-engine helicopter will fly for six months or until a permanent operator is chosen through a tender. The agreement requires a minimum of 40 flying hours every month.
This service operates under the North East Helicopter Scheme to offer passenger travel and emergency medical help for people in isolated areas.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs provides a 75 percent subsidy for these flights as detailed in the
helicopter subsidy scheme guidelines.
The Manipur government will pay all costs if central funding stops.
