Bhubaneswar: In a significant boost to the state’s international aviation footprint, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi flagged off the inaugural direct flight from Bhubaneswar to Abu Dhabi today.
Operated by IndiGo Airlines, this new route marks the fourth international connection from Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), following Dubai, Singapore, and Bangkok.
The Bhubaneswar-Abu Dhabi flight will operate three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, strengthening the state capital’s link to the Middle East. This initiative, part of the B-MAAN scheme, aims to establish Bhubaneswar as a key aviation hub in eastern India, promoting trade, tourism, cultural exchange, and investment opportunities.
The launch of this direct international flight is expected to boost Odisha’s global connectivity and economic prospects, opening new avenues for growth and development.
At the launch ceremony, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his gratitude, stating that the Bhubaneswar-Abu Dhabi flight service was made possible under the guidance of the Prime Minister and the cooperation of the Centre. The flight, operated by IndiGo Airlines, has a capacity of 180 passengers and will enable direct connectivity between Odisha and the Middle East. The service also includes cargo facilities, which will facilitate the export of local produce such as mangoes and vegetables to Abu Dhabi. In fact, the inaugural cargo shipment included 50 tonnes of mangoes.
The CM highlighted that this development is part of a broader effort to enhance air connectivity in the state. Bhubaneswar already has flight links to several domestic destinations, including Goa, Visakhapatnam, Kochi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Hindon, Port Blair, and Dehradun.
