Bhubaneswar: The Government of Odisha has launched new domestic flight services connecting Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar, to Jaipur, Kochi, Lucknow, and Patna, as well as Veer Surendra Sai Airport, Jharsuguda, to Hyderabad, Raipur, and Lucknow. This significant step in enhancing air connectivity comes under the New Destination Policy (NDP) 2024, initiated under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and guided by Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, Minister for Commerce & Transport, and Steel & Mines.
The New Destination Policy 2024 seeks to develop emerging air routes through Viability Gap Funding (VGF) and strategic incentives aimed at strengthening Odisha’s aviation infrastructure and accessibility. Air India Express and Star Air have partnered with the state government to operate these routes, offering enhanced convenience to passengers and boosting Odisha’s integration with the rest of the country.
During the inaugural ceremony, Babu Singh, MLA of Ekamra Bhubaneswar, flagged off the first flight, describing the event as a landmark in Odisha’s development journey. “Under the transformative guidance of Chief Minister Majhi, these flights are not just transportation links but lifelines of growth. They bring Odisha closer to the nation and empower its people, culture, and economy,” he stated. In a symbolic gesture, Shri Singh handed over a ticket to the first passenger.
The inaugural flights from Bhubaneswar to Jaipur and Kochi commenced today, with services to Lucknow starting tomorrow and Patna on January 15, 2025. Air India Express now operates 104 weekly flights from Bhubaneswar, connecting the state capital to major cities such as Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Patna, and Pune.
Adding a cultural touch to the celebrations, Air India Express unveiled an aircraft adorned with a stunning Ikat livery, symbolizing Odisha’s rich textile heritage and showcasing it to travelers across the skies.
Speaking at the event, Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Commerce & Transport Department, highlighted the strategic importance of these new routes. “This expansion aligns with the vision of Viksit Odisha and will significantly contribute to the growth of the tourism and aviation sectors. It also strengthens Odisha’s economic development and fosters closer ties with the rest of the nation,” she said.
The dignitaries at the event included senior officials from the government, representatives from Air India Express, and other stakeholders. The new flights are expected to bring unprecedented convenience for professionals, families, students, and naval personnel, while fostering economic and cultural exchanges.
As Odisha continues to develop its aviation infrastructure under the New Destination Policy, the state is set to emerge as a key hub for tourism, trade, and connectivity, driving progress toward the goal of a prosperous and developed Odisha by 2036.
