Bhubaneswar: In a significant boost to regional connectivity, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday flagged off a new direct flight service connecting the state capital of Bhubaneswar with Jharsuguda. The inaugural flight, operated by Star Air, marks a key step in improving travel within the state and fostering economic growth in western Odisha.
The flight service was launched under the state’s pioneering B-MAAN (Building and Management of Aviation Assets and Network) scheme, an initiative designed to enhance regional air links and promote tourism and industrial development. The new route is expected to substantially reduce travel time between the two cities, providing a major convenience for business travelers and tourists alike.
Speaking at the flagging-off ceremony at Biju Patnaik International Airport, Chief Minister Shri Majhi emphasized the state government’s commitment to developing world-class aviation infrastructure. “This historic step will not only bring western Odisha closer to the state capital but also accelerate industrial growth, tourism, and cultural exchange,” he stated. He added that efforts are ongoing to introduce more domestic and international flights in the future, with a vision to make Odisha a leading state in the aviation sector.
The Star Air flight will operate with a 76-seater aircraft, initially running five days a week from Tuesday to Saturday. A government official confirmed that the service is supported by a viability gap funding scheme under the New Destination Policy to ensure its sustainability. The move is expected to be a catalyst for socio-economic integration and development, particularly benefiting the people of the Jharsuguda-Sambalpur region.