Bhubaneswar: Odisha goverenment Friday 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 leadership of chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi and 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 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 these flights are lifelines of growth, bringing Odisha closer to the nation while empowering its people, culture, and economy.
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, honoring Odisha’s rich textile heritage and showcasing it to the skies.
Ms. Usha Padhee, principal secretary, commerce & transport department, said this strategic expansion is poised to drive growth in the tourism and aviation sectors while boosting economic development and creating stronger ties across the nation.
