The Odisha government has officially initiated steps to resume direct flight services between Bhubaneswar and Dubai.
The Directorate of Aviation under the Commerce and Transport Department has floated tenders inviting airline operators to restore this crucial international route.
The direct flight service was first launched on May 15, 2023, operating three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. However, the service was temporarily suspended in March 2026 due to escalating tensions in West Asia.
According to the tender guidelines, the selected airline must operate aircraft with a minimum seating capacity of 180. The service will be managed under the state government’s subsidy framework, with a mandatory requirement of at least three flights per week operating out of the Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA). The chosen operator will assume all operational, regulatory, commercial, and safety responsibilities for the route.
The tender explicitly emphasises adherence to guidelines set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the Airports Authority of India (AAI), and other relevant authorities to ensure safe, reliable, and passenger-centric travel.
Pre-bid meetings have already been conducted virtually, and specific timelines for Request for Proposal (RFP) document downloads and bid submissions have been established.
Once the tendering process concludes and a final agreement is signed with the selected operator, the service is expected to resume. This revival is anticipated to provide a major fillip to business, tourism, and international travel—offering immense convenience, particularly for Odia expatriates working and living in the United Arab Emirates.
