The IndiGo airline commenced direct flight service between Bhubaneswar and Dubai from Monday.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the service at the Biju Patnaik International Airport here.

The ticket price has been fixed at Rs 10,000 for one-way and Rs 20,000 for round trip as an introductory offer.

The service will be available thrice a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The 15th day of May 2023 marked a new chapter in Odisha’s stride towards global connectivity, said the CM.

To mark the occasion, delegates from Odisha including leaders and members of Mission Shakti, delegations from the World Skill Centre, Special Development Council, Panchayati Raj and celebrated sportspersons, who had been felicitated by the CM at the Naveen Niwas earlier in the day, boarded the flight with the rest of the travellers who had booked their tickets.

CM Patnaik said, “Connectivity is the 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. It will provide seamless connectivity and also boost investment in sectors like IT, manufacturing and tourism in Odisha. This is the aspiration of New Odisha.”

Earlier, Patnaik had launched the ticket sale for the flight service.

While attending a Make-in-Odisha Conclave in Dubai, Patnaik had assured the investor community and Odia diaspora that the State Government would facilitate direct flight service to the Middle East.