Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government today launched new direct domestic flight services from Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar, to Jaipur, Kochi, Lucknow, and Patna, as well as from Veer Surendra Sai Airport, Jharsuguda, to Hyderabad, Raipur, and Lucknow.
This milestone in air connectivity has been achieved under the New Destination Policy (NDP) 2024, introduced under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and headed by Minister Commerce & Transport, Steel & Mines, Bibhuti Bhushan Jena. The policy aims to boost emerging air routes through Viability Gap Funding (VGF) and strategic incentives to improve accessibility and enhance the State’s aviation infrastructure.
Air India Express and Star Air have partnered with the State Government to operate these routes, offering passengers greater convenience and amplifying Odisha’s connectivity to the rest of India.
Babu Singh, MLA, Ekamra Bhubaneswar flagging off the inaugural flight said the event marks a historic significance for Odisha’s progress. Under the transformative guidance of Chief Minister Majhi, under the NDP, these flights are not merely transportation links-they are lifelines of growth, bringing Odisha closer to the nation while empowering its people, culture, and economy. He also said that these flights bring unprecedented convenience for professionals, families, students, and naval personnel, fostering economic and cultural exchanges. In a symbolic gesture, Singh handed over a ticket to the first passenger.
The inaugural flights from Bhubaneswar to Jaipur and Kochi took off today. Flights to Lucknow will commence tomorrow, followed by services to Patna on January 15, 2025. With these additions, Air India Express now operates 104 weekly flights from Bhubaneswar, connecting Odisha to major cities including Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Patna, and Pune.
Adding a cultural dimension to the celebration, Air India Express unveiled an aircraft featuring a stunning Ikat livery, honouring Odisha’s rich textile heritage and showcasing it to the skies.
The event was graced by dignitaries, including Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary, Commerce & Transport Department, Government of Odisha, representatives from Air India Express, and other esteemed guests. This strategic expansion, aligned with the vision of Viksit Odisha, is poised to drive growth in the tourism and aviation sectors while boosting economic development and creating stronger ties across the nation, Padhee said.
