Direct international flight service launched between Bhubaneswar and Dubai on May 15, 2023, marked an important milestone in promoting tourism and opening up various economic vistas for both destinations.

To celebrate the launch, the state government and the Consulate of India in Dubai organized a cultural celebration titled Odisha Divas on May 16. Around 1,100 Odia expats attended the celebrations, as their long-pending demand for direct connectivity between Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar, and Dubai International Airport had finally been met.

“Congratulating #Odisha Govt on this landmark step towards improving #Odisha’s global connectivity, Consulate General of India in Dubai Dr Aman Puri spoke about how the direct connectivity between Dubai & Odisha will create unparalleled opportunities for the State,” tweeted Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Odisha.

According to the Chief Minister, the new route was significant as  UAE’s Odia community presence is over 100,000. On his maiden official visit to Dubai in 2022, he had promised to launch a direct flight between these destinations.

He flagged off the inaugural flight on May 16 from Bhubaneswar carrying a delegation of noted sportspersons, members of various governmental organizations, and students from the Skill Development and Technical Education, Odisha.

“Glad to flag off the maiden Bhubaneswar-Dubai international flight from Biju Patnaik International Airport. Wishing students of @SDTE_Odisha a very happy journey. May the direct flight service open up a new world of opportunities for our #SkilledInOdisha youths #OdishaOnTheMove” Patnaik tweeted.

The flight service offered by Indigo Airlines will operate three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The starting fare for the sector has been set at USD US$121 (444 AED).