New Flight Services Boost Connectivity in Odisha
Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to enhance air connectivity, Odisha has launched new flight routes from Bhubaneswar and Jharsuguda under the New Destination Policy (NDP) 2024.
The new services, operated by Air India Express and Star Air, aim to improve accessibility and foster economic growth in the region.
The inaugural flights from Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar to Jaipur and Kochi were flagged off by Ekamra Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh. Flights to Lucknow will commence on Saturday, followed by services to Patna on January 15.Similarly, Veer Surendra Sai Airport in Jharsuguda has started flights to Hyderabad, Raipur, and Lucknow.
With these additions, Air India Express now operates 104 weekly flights from Bhubaneswar, connecting Odisha with major cities including Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Patna, and Pune. The new routes are expected to benefit professionals, families, students, and naval personnel, fostering economic and cultural exchanges.
Principal Secretary of the Commerce and Transport Department, Usha Padhee, highlighted that 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.
