Bhubaneswar- Marking a significant milestone in Odisha’s aviation connectivity, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today inaugurated the first-ever direct international flight service from Bhubaneswar to Abu Dhabi. The launch coincides with the first anniversary of the BJP government in Odisha and was celebrated at the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar.
Operated by IndiGo Airlines, the new direct flight to Abu Dhabi will be available three times a week — on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays — offering international access to up to 180 passengers per flight. The total journey time from Bhubaneswar to Abu Dhabi is expected to be just four hours, making it an efficient and economical option for travelers.
“This is a proud moment for Odisha,” said Chief Minister Majhi while handing boarding passes to passengers of the inaugural flight. “With the support of Prime Minister Modi and the Central Government, we have implemented this new international air route under our ‘New Destination Policy’. This initiative will enhance Odisha’s global connectivity, especially with the Middle East, and will open doors to trade, tourism, investments, and cultural exchange.”
Adding to the day’s achievements, the CM also flagged off the first flight from Bhubaneswar to Visakhapatnam, enhancing domestic connectivity in the eastern corridor of India.
In a symbolic move that merges cultural identity with economic potential, the first flight to Abu Dhabi also carried 50 tons of Odisha’s signature Amrapalli mangoes as cargo — a major export highlight showcasing the state’s agro-economy. The Chief Minister highlighted that the cargo potential of the flight would play a vital role in exporting local produce to global markets, particularly to the UAE and other Gulf nations.
The CM further outlined the state’s broader connectivity strategy, emphasizing multi-modal transport development. Alongside road and rail upgrades, the Odisha government is heavily investing in air connectivity to integrate the state with national and international networks.
Recently launched air routes from Bhubaneswar now connect the state capital with several Indian cities including Dehradun, Ghaziabad, Goa, Indore, Kochi, Lucknow, and Port Blair. Meanwhile, new flights from Jharsuguda are operational to Hyderabad, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Raipur, giving western Odisha much-needed air access.
Chief Minister Majhi’s administration envisions Odisha as a prominent node in the national and global travel map. “This is not just about air travel,” he said. “It’s about connecting Odisha to global growth. With strategic air routes and strengthened logistics, we aim to position Odisha as a gateway to eastern India for international commerce and cultural exchange.”
The launch of the Bhubaneswar–Abu Dhabi flight is being hailed as a landmark step in that journey — bringing Odisha closer to the world, one flight at a time.
