Tripura Government Has No Direct Control Over Private Airlines, Says CM Manik Saha and Transport Minister

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, August 13, 2026

Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha and Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury yesterday categorically stated during interactions with local media that the state government has no direct control over the operations of private airlines, including decisions to increase, decrease or reduce flight services to Tripura, as well as the ticket fares charged by the airlines.

Speaking to journalists in Agartala, Chief Minister Manik Saha said airlines operating in the country are privately owned and decisions regarding flight frequency and ticket pricing are primarily taken by the respective airline companies. Therefore, the state government cannot directly determine how many flights an airline should operate to or from Tripura.

The Chief Minister also said that the government has no direct mechanism to regulate the fares fixed by private airlines, despite the concerns being raised over the sharp increase in airfares from Agartala to different destinations.

However, Dr. Manik Saha made it clear that the state government is not ignoring the issue. He said he would take up the matter with the Union Government and speak with the Union Civil Aviation Minister regarding the availability of flights to and from Tripura and the high airfares being faced by passengers.

Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury also maintained that the state government does not have direct control over the number of flights operated by private airlines. According to the minister, decisions concerning increasing, reducing or discontinuing flight services are taken by the airlines based on their operational and commercial considerations.

The remarks of the Chief Minister and Transport Minister come at a time when concerns are growing among passengers over reduced flight availability and unusually high airfares from Agartala. Travellers have reportedly been facing difficulties in securing affordable air tickets, particularly during periods of high demand.

The rising airfares and limited flight options have become a concern for students, patients travelling for treatment, businesspersons, government employees and ordinary passengers who depend on air connectivity for travel outside the state.

The state government's position is that while it cannot directly control private airlines, it can raise the issue with the Union Government and seek appropriate intervention from the Union Civil Aviation Ministry.

The Chief Minister's assurance to take up the matter with Delhi assumes significance, as any major improvement in flight connectivity or availability may require coordination among the Union Civil Aviation Ministry, airport authorities and the airlines operating services to Tripura.

more news...