Abu Dhabi Joins Bhubaneswar’s Air Map
Odisha’s international aviation network is set for a major expansion as direct flights between Bhubaneswar and Abu Dhabi commence from June 12, 2025. The new connection marks the fourth international route from Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), strengthening the state capital’s position as a key aviation hub in eastern India.
Following existing direct services to Dubai, Singapore, and Bangkok, the Abu Dhabi route is expected to begin with competitive introductory fares starting at ₹12,000, with weekly frequencies. The official airline partner is yet to be announced but sources confirm strong interest from Gulf carriers.
This move follows the remarkable performance of the Bhubaneswar–Dubai route, launched in May 2023, which has consistently reported high occupancy levels due to increased travel by the Odia diaspora and business travellers heading to the Gulf region.
Bhubaneswar: Eastern India’s Fastest-Growing Air Hub
Bhubaneswar’s transformation into an international air gateway is underpinned by strong domestic growth. As of 2025, BPIA connects to 28 Indian cities with 56 daily flight movements, making it one of the busiest airports in the region.
Passenger traffic saw a 26.9% increase in 2024, and authorities are confident that over 5 million passengers will use the airport annually by the end of 2025. This growth is fueled by new routes such as Goa, Port Blair, and Hindon (Ghaziabad), and a surge in business and leisure travel.
According to the Airports Authority of India, BPIA recorded ₹148 crore in aviation revenue in FY 2023–24, up from ₹108 crore the previous year — a 37% jump, reflecting increased passenger footfall and airline activity.
Odisha’s Wider Aviation Boom
The aviation push isn’t limited to the state capital. In March 2025, Jharsuguda Airport launched a long-awaited direct daily flight to Mumbai, providing vital connectivity to western India. This route is particularly significant for business travellers and industrial hubs in western Odisha.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has granted in-principal approval for a Greenfield airport in Puri, one of India’s most visited pilgrimage destinations. The airport is expected to bolster religious tourism and regional development, drawing visitors from across India and abroad.
Odisha Rising Through the Skies
Odisha’s aviation sector is flying high — quite literally. With four international routes, a growing domestic network, and regional infrastructure upgrades, the state is positioning itself as a key gateway to eastern India and the global economy. Bhubaneswar’s direct link to Abu Dhabi, a major Gulf and global hub, is more than a flight — it’s a symbol of Odisha’s growing economic ambition, connectivity, and global integration.
(With agency inputs)
