In a significant step towards enhancing regional connectivity, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the Bhubaneswar to Jharsuguda flight service at Biju Patnaik International Airport today.
Operated by Star Air with a 76-seater aircraft, this new route is supported by the Odisha New Destination Policy through Viability Gap Funding (VGF). The Chief Minister personally handed over boarding passes to the first passengers, marking the historic launch.
The flight will operate five days a week—Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday—covering the distance between Bhubaneswar and Jharsuguda in just 45 minutes. Plans are underway to upgrade this to a daily service soon, ensuring greater accessibility for passengers.
Speaking to the media, CM Majhi emphasised the transformative impact of this initiative. “This historic step will not only bring western Odisha closer to the state capital but also accelerate industrial growth, tourism, and cultural exchange,” he said. He highlighted that Odisha currently operates flights on 39 routes, including four international destinations—Singapore, Bangkok, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. Within the state, Bhubaneswar is already connected to Jeypore, Rourkela, and Utkela, with Jharsuguda now added to the network.
The Chief Minister also announced plans to develop a Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) facility at Bhubaneswar airport, a move aimed at positioning Odisha as a leader in aviation infrastructure. “In the coming years, Odisha will emerge as a frontrunner in aviation services with world-class facilities,” he added. Efforts are ongoing to introduce more domestic and international flights to further strengthen connectivity.
The launch event was attended by Deputy Chief Ministers Kanak Vardhan Singhdeo and Pravati Parida, Minister for Fisheries and Animal Resources Gokulananda Mallick, and several MLAs, including Babu Singh (Bhubaneswar Ekamra), Om Prakash Mishra (Satyabadi), Upasana Mahapatra (Brahmagiri), Prakash Sethi (Cuttack Sadar), and Amar Nayak (Badachana). Key officials, including Principal Secretary of Commerce and Transport Usha Padhee and the Director of Bhubaneswar Airport, were also present.
This new flight service is expected to boost economic activity and connectivity in western Odisha, paving the way for a more integrated and prosperous state.
