Odisha CM flags off direct international flight from Bhubaneswar to Abu Dhabi

Bhubaneswar, June 12: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday flagged off Odisha’s first direct international flight from Bhubaneswar to Abu Dhabi, marking a significant milestone in the state's aviation sector. Operated by IndiGo from Biju Patnaik International Airport, the flight service will operate three times a week—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—under the state’s Building Management of Aviation Assets and Network (B-MAAN) initiative.

The new route is expected to enhance global connectivity, boost trade, tourism, and promote cultural exchanges. The inaugural flight carried around 180 passengers.

As per IndiGo’s schedule, the non-stop flight departs Bhubaneswar at 9:35 AM IST and arrives in Abu Dhabi at 12:35 PM local time. The return leg leaves Abu Dhabi at 2:35 AM local time and lands in Bhubaneswar at 8:35 AM IST, with an approximate travel time of 4.5 hours.

Majhi highlighted that the maiden flight also carried 50 tonnes of Amrapalli mangoes for international export, promoting Odisha’s agricultural produce. He announced resumption of flights between Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam, and noted the state’s growing air network, connecting to domestic cities and expanding Jharsuguda’s reach to key metro hubs.