In a landmark development for Odisha’s aviation sector, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today inaugurated the first-ever direct international flight from Bhubaneswar to Abu Dhabi, enhancing the state’s global connectivity.
The service, operated by IndiGo, took off from Biju Patnaik International Airport at 9:35 AM.
The flight service will operate three times a week—on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. It has a seating capacity of 180 passengers, ensuring a comfortable travel experience. Travellers from Bhubaneswar can reach Abu Dhabi in just four hours, saving both time and money.
In addition, today marks the launch of a new flight service from Bhubaneswar to Visakhapatnam. On this occasion, the Chief Minister personally handed out boarding passes to several passengers.
Cargo services have also begun on this flight, with the inaugural shipment consisting of 50 tons of Amrapalli mangoes for export.
The newly launched flight, part of the B-MAAN scheme, is expected to serve as a crucial link between Odisha and the Middle East, fostering trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges.
During the inauguration of the international flight service, Chief Minister Majhi emphasised that, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and with the support of the Central Government, this service has been launched as part of Odisha’s New Destination Policy. The initiative aims to enhance Odisha’s connectivity with Middle Eastern nations, promoting trade, tourism, investment, and cultural exchange.
The Chief Minister announced that the government is implementing comprehensive measures to improve connectivity through air, road, and rail transport. Efforts are underway to integrate Odisha into national and international aviation networks. New flight services have already started from Bhubaneswar to several destinations, including Dehradun, Ghaziabad, Goa, Indore, Kochi, Lucknow, and Port Blair. Additionally, Jharsuguda has been connected to Hyderabad, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Raipur.
Passengers welcomed the direct flight, highlighting its potential to streamline travel between Odisha and the UAE. Business leaders and tourism experts expressed optimism that this development would bolster economic partnerships and facilitate easier access to global markets.
As Odisha continues to enhance its aviation infrastructure, the Bhubaneswar-Abu Dhabi service is expected to pave the way for more international flight routes in the future.
