Bhubaneswar: The much-awaited direct international flight service from Bhubaneswar to Dubai will take off from May 15.
Ahead of the direct international flight operation Biju Patnaik International Airport here, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Saturday launched ticket sales on Saturday, on the day of Utkal Diwas.
Shri Patnaik said, “Connectivity is key to development and it has been a focus area of our government. Direct connectivity with Dubai which is one of the biggest aviation hubs will open up a direct gateway to the world.”
Not only it will provide seamless connectivity but also it will have a huge multiplier effect on investment in Odisha in sectors like IT, manufacturing and tourism, he said, adding, “This is the aspiration of New Odisha and I am very happy to open ticket sales for the Dubai Flight.”
The CM handed over the first eight tickets to Mission Shakti women, sportspersons, tribal leaders, skilled in Odisha students and artists.
While attending Make In Odisha Conclave in Dubai, the Chief Minister had assured the investor community and Odia diaspora that direct flight will commence to ease travel from the Middle East. Naveen had also given approval to completely fund the flight operations.
Dubai being one of the biggest travel hubs, commencement of direct flight connectivity will open-up new avenues for investment, trade and tourism.
It will also offer a convenient option for leisure travellers from across the world, looking to visit Odisha.
Further, within 2 weeks of the launch of direct flight to Dubai, international flight operations will commence to Singapore and Bangkok realizing Odisha’s vision to become the gateway to the East, he said.
Direct connectivity to aviation hubs like Dubai, Singapore and Bangkok will give a huge boost to connectivity facilitating travel for investor communities, tourists as well as seamless and economic travel options to Odia people working in these regions.
Indigo Airlines has recently won the bid to operate direct flights to these three important gateways. As per the agreement, Indigo Airlines will operate direct flight from Biju Patnaik International Airport thrice a week.
Inaugural ticket prices have been set to begin at Rs 10,000 per single side journey and Rs 20,000 for round trip. Each flight will have the subsidised tickets on first come first serve basis.
The CM said a larger delegation from the State will go on the first flight to Dubai.
He thanked the Government of India especially Union Minister of Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya M. Scindia for providing all facilitation services for the flight operations.