Wings of Progress for a Viksit Odisha New Direct Flights to Key Domestic Destinations Unveiled

Bhubaneswar : The Government of Odisha proudly 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 visionary leadership of Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan
Majhi and headed by Minister Commerce & Transport, Steel & Mines, Shri 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.
Shri Babu Singh, MLA, Ekamra Bhubaneswar flagging off the inaugural flight said
the event marks a historic significance for Odisha’s progress. Under the transformative
guidance of Chief Minister Shri Majhi, 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. He also said that these flights bring
unprecedented convenience for professionals, families, students, and naval personnel,
fostering economic and cultural exchanges. In a symbolic gesture, Shri Singh handed over a
ticket to the first passenger.
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.
The event was graced by dignitaries, including Smt. Usha Padhee, Principal
Secretary, Commerce & Transport Department, Government of Odisha, representatives from
Air India Express, and other esteemed 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, Smt. Padhee
said.