Bhubaneswar: In a significant boost to international connectivity for Odisha, direct flight services between Bhubaneswar’s Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) and Abu Dhabi (AUH) will commence in June 2025. This landmark initiative will be launched under the Building Management of Aviation Assets and Network (B-MAAN) programme, as announced by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) today.
Airline giant IndiGo will operate the tri-weekly service, with flights scheduled every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from BBI. This development marks a major step in connecting the state directly with the Middle East, promising to bolster tourism, trade, and overall global prospects for a ‘Viksit Odisha’ (Developed Odisha).
The CMO conveyed the news through a post on social media platform X, stating, “From Temple City to Global Gateway! From June 2025, #Bhubaneswar will take flight to Abu Dhabi under the #BMAAN initiative–powered by the transformative #NewDestinationPolicy.”
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his support in this crucial aviation push. The CMO further emphasized that the B-MAAN scheme and the new destination policy are paving the way for enhanced air connectivity, with more flights on the horizon for Odisha.
The announcement follows Chief Minister Shri Majhi’s budget presentation for the fiscal year 2025-26, where he unveiled the B-MAAN programme. This comprehensive initiative aims to modernize and expand airport infrastructure across the state to meet growing air travel demand. A key component of the B-MAAN programme includes the establishment of a Greenfield Airport at Paradip. The state has set ambitious targets under this initiative, aiming to commence direct flight services to 10 new domestic destinations and 3 new international destinations, with Abu Dhabi being the first of these international connections to materialize.
The Odisha New Destination Policy-2024 is providing crucial financial assistance to airlines to bridge the gap between operational costs and expected revenue, thereby incentivizing the launch of new routes. The state government has allocated a substantial sum of ₹382 crore to support aviation infrastructure development and enhance air connectivity across Odisha.
The direct flight to Abu Dhabi is expected to significantly benefit the tourism sector by attracting more international visitors to Odisha’s rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty. Furthermore, it will provide enhanced opportunities for businesses and individuals engaged in international trade and commerce. This new air link positions Bhubaneswar as an emerging gateway, connecting Odisha to the global stage.