Bhubaneswar, Jan 03: New direct domestic flight services were launched from Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar to Jaipur, Kochi, Lucknow, and Patna.
Besides, flights were launched from Veer Surendra Sai Airport in Jharsuguda to Hyderabad, Raipur, and Lucknow.
This milestone in air connectivity has been achieved under the New Destination Policy (NDP) 2024.
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 the event marks a historic significance for Odisha’s progress.
Under the NDP, these flights are not merely transportation links-they 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. 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.
The event was graced by dignitaries, including Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary, Commerce & Transport Department, representatives from Air India Express, and other guests.
This strategic expansion, aligned with the vision of Viksit Odisha, is poised to drive growth in the tourism and aviation sectors while boosting economic development and creating stronger ties across the nation, Padhee said.
