Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday flagged off the maiden flight from Bhubaneswar to Dubai at the Biju Patnaik International Airport.
Speaking on the occasion Patnaik said that global connectivity is a key driver of overall developments – be it industrial development, facilitating investments, promoting tourism, or establishing communication for the Odia diaspora residing outside India.
“Dubai is a major travel and tourism junction in the middle east providing gateway to the European and the US markets. This day marks a new chapter in Odisha’s stride towards global connectivity,” he said.
A total of 170 people including the aircraft crew travelled on the maiden flight from Bhubaneswar to Dubai.
A delegates from Odisha including leaders and members of Mission Shakti, , delegations from the World Skill Centre, Special Development Council, Panchayati Raj, and celebrated sportspersons also boarded the flight with the rest of the travellers who had booked their tickets after the ticket sale went live on Utkal Dibasa on April 1, 2023.
Special arrangements were made to see off the travellers from Odisha. The flyers were felicitated with Uttariya, Odisha Tourism kit bag and offered sweets and flowers by the hostesses at the departure terminal.
Indigo Airlines will operate direct flights from Biju Patnaik International Airport thrice a week.
International flight services to Singapore and Bangkok will also commence from June 2023.