Alliance Air to reinstate flights from Kolkata to Shillong, Tezpur

Shillong: Alliance Air will resume its services between Kolkata and Shillong in Meghalaya besides Tezpur and Lilabari in Assam from Aug 1, an official said Friday.

Alliance Air, a subsidiary of national carrier Air India, stopped its services June 1 due to irregular payment of the viability gap funding by the North Eastern Council (NEC).

“The Alliance Air (officials) has informed us it will resume its air service between Kolkata and the three airports - Shillong, Tezpur and Lilabari - from Aug 1,” NEC Advisor (Transport and Communication) P.H.K. Singh said.

He said Tezpur and Lilabari flights will fly via Guwahati on alternate days while Shillong-Kolkata flight will be a direct one, six days a week.

“The Alliance Air has notified the resumption of air services on its website and the bookings have commenced,” the NEC official said.

He said a memorandum of understanding will be be soon signed between the NEC and Alliance Air to ensure smooth air connectivity between Shillong, Tezpur and Lilabari airports and others.

Meghalaya Transport Minister H.D.R. Lyngdoh said the government was looking into offers from private airlines for flights between Shillong and Kolkata after the government-owned Alliance Air stopped its services.

“We have received offers from private airlines to operate flights between Shillong and Kolkata and the government is examining it,” Lyngdoh said.

The NEC, a regional planning body for the eight northeastern states, paid Rs.49 crore annually through viability gap funding to Alliance Air for operating air services in the region.

The NEC assured the necessary viability gap funding will be provided to Alliance Air to ensure air connectivity in the region.

IANS