Rourkela regained its air connectivity today as IndiaOne Air resumed the Bhubaneswar–Rourkela flight service after a four-month suspension.
The flight departed Bhubaneswar at 12:30 pm and landed in Rourkela at noon, marking the revival of a crucial route for the region.
IndiaOne Air introduced a nine-seater aircraft for this service. The airline announced that flights will operate six days a week, except on Thursdays. Earlier, Alliance Air operated ATR-72 aircraft on this route, offering a larger seating capacity. The switch to a smaller aircraft has raised concerns among residents about whether the service can meet growing demand.
Rourkela holds strategic importance as home to India’s first public sector steel plant, the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Biju Patnaik University of Technology (BPUT), and the world’s largest Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium. The city also hosts numerous industries, coal mines, and factories. Local stakeholders argue that such a hub requires larger aircraft to accommodate business travellers, students, and sports delegations.
Citizens welcomed the resumption of flights but questioned the adequacy of a nine-seater service. Many expressed doubts about its ability to serve the city’s expanding population and industrial needs. The demand for higher-capacity aircraft remains strong, with calls for the government and airlines to prioritise Rourkela’s connectivity.
The resumption of flights marks a positive step, yet the debate continues over whether the current service can truly fulfil the aspirations of Rourkela’s residents and industries.
