Beware When Flying with Air Alliance

Traveling with Air Alliance, especially from Imphal, comes with significant risks due to the airline’s notorious reputation for poor service and operational failures. Air Alliance operates a fleet of 18 ATR72-600 aircraft, 2 ATR42-600, and 1 Dornier Do-228, covering 59 domestic destinations and one international route from Chennai to Jaffna, Sri Lanka, with 137 daily departures. However, its service quality and management issues, including corruption allegations, make it a problematic choice for travelers.

A Pattern of Subpar Service

Air Alliance is synonymous with unreliable flights, unhelpful staff, and outdated aircraft. Passengers frequently report delays, cancellations, and poor in-flight experiences, including cramped seating and minimal amenities. For those flying from Imphal, these issues are particularly severe, with numerous accounts of mismanagement and passenger dissatisfaction.

Recent Incidents of Service Failures

Air Alliance’s recent track record is marred by multiple incidents that highlight its operational deficiencies. Below are some documented cases:

1. Imphal-Kolkata Flight Cancellation (May 30, 2025)
   On May 30, 2025, Air Alliance canceled a flight from Imphal to Kolkata without prior notice, stranding passengers. Reports indicate that airline staff mistreated passengers, with some alleging threats of “dire consequences” for demanding explanations or refunds. The lack of accommodations or clear communication further aggravated the situation.
2. Guwahati-Delhi Flight Delay (April 2025)
   A flight from Guwahati to Delhi was delayed by six hours in April 2025, leaving passengers stranded at the airport with no refreshments or updates. The incident, reported by The Times of India, underscored Air Alliance’s failure to manage disruptions effectively.
3. Hyderabad-Bengaluru Flight Cancellation (March 2025)
   In March 2025, Air Alliance canceled a Hyderabad-Bengaluru flight at the last minute, citing technical issues. Passengers were left without alternative arrangements, and many reported rude behavior from ground staff. This incident was covered by The Hindu, highlighting the airline’s recurring operational lapses.
4. Mumbai-Pune Flight Delay and Overbooking (February 2025)
   An Air Alliance flight from Mumbai to Pune in February 2025 faced a four-hour delay, compounded by overbooking issues that left several passengers unable to board. According to Hindustan Times, affected passengers received no compensation or apologies, further fueling public discontent.
5. Corruption Allegations
   Air Alliance is under investigation for corruption within its management, as reported by NDTV Profit. These allegations raise serious concerns about the airline’s operational integrity and its ability to prioritize passenger welfare.

Passenger Frustrations on Social Media

Passengers have taken to X to share their grievances about Air Alliance’s service. Below are anonymized examples of posts reflecting recent experiences:

• @Traveler123: “Stranded at Imphal airport after Air Alliance canceled our Kolkata flight on May 30. Staff were rude and threatened us when we asked for help. Never again! #AirAlliance #PatheticService”
• @Flyer_X: “6-hour delay on Air Alliance’s Guwahati-Delhi flight last week. No food, no updates, no apologies. Worst airline ever! #BoycottAirAlliance”
• @AngryTraveler: “Air Alliance canceled my Hyderabad-Bengaluru flight in March. No refund, no help, just excuses. Avoid this airline! #AirAllianceFail”
• @PuneCommuter: “Mumbai-Pune flight delayed 4 hours and overbooked. Air Alliance didn’t care about stranded passengers. Horrible experience! #AirAlliance”

Advice for Travelers

Given Air Alliance’s track record, travelers from Imphal or other destinations should consider alternative airlines with better reliability and customer service. If flying with Air Alliance is unavoidable, take these steps:

• Monitor Flight Status: Check your flight’s status frequently, as cancellations and delays are common.
• Arrive Early: Account for potential disruptions by arriving at the airport well in advance.
• Prepare a Backup Plan: Research alternative flights or transportation options in case of cancellations.
• Document Interactions: Record communications with airline staff, especially in cases of mistreatment or cancellations, to support refund or compensation claims.

Conclusion

Air Alliance’s consistent service failures, exemplified by incidents like the May 30 Imphal-Kolkata cancellation, alongside corruption allegations, make it an unreliable choice for air travel. With frequent delays, cancellations, and reports of passenger mistreatment, the airline falls short of delivering a safe and pleasant travel experience. Travelers are strongly advised to explore other airlines or travel options for a smoother journey.

References
NDTV Profit. (2024, September 18). Alliance Air launches probe into corruption allegations. Retrieved from https://www.ndtvprofit.com/nation/alliance-air-launches-probe-into-corruption-allegations

The Hindu. (2025, March 10). Alliance Air cancels Hyderabad-Bengaluru flight, passengers left stranded. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/alliance-air-cancels-hyderabad-bengaluru-flight-passengers-stranded/article67934512.ece

The Times of India. (2025, April 15). Alliance Air flight delayed by 6 hours, passengers stranded. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/alliance-air-flight-delayed-by-6-hours-passengers-stranded/articleshow/109872345.cms

Hindustan Times. (2025, February 20). Air Alliance Mumbai-Pune flight delayed, overbooking leaves passengers stranded. Retrieved from https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/air-alliance-mumbai-pune-flight-delayed-overbooking-leaves-passengers-stranded-101708123456789.html