In a landmark development for Odisha’s global connectivity and export ambitions, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi flagged off the first-ever direct international flight from Bhubaneswar to Abu Dhabi on Thursday. This historic occasion also marked the export of 50 tonnes of premium Odisha mangoes to the United Arab Emirates, reaffirming the state’s emergence as a key player in global trade and aviation.
Connecting Odisha to the World
The new international flight, operated by IndiGo Airlines, will connect Bhubaneswar to the capital of the UAE thrice a week—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The inaugural flight carried 180 passengers, symbolizing a new era of air connectivity between Odisha and West Asia.
Speaking at the event, CM Majhi expressed pride and optimism:
“Today is a proud day for the people of Odisha. With this direct flight to Abu Dhabi, a long-standing aspiration has been fulfilled. This is a giant leap in Odisha’s aviation journey.”
The launch coincided with the first anniversary of the BJP-led government in Odisha, adding further significance to the milestone.
B-MAAN Initiative: Pioneering Air Connectivity
The flight service has been introduced under Odisha’s Building Management of Aviation Assets and Network (B-MAAN) initiative, a strategic policy framework aimed at strengthening aviation infrastructure and regional air networks.
The Chief Minister acknowledged the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the proactive support from the central government in realizing this dream. He emphasized that the flight services are part of the state’s new destination policy, designed to position Odisha as a global gateway.
Economic, Tourism and Cultural Impact
CM Majhi stated that the Bhubaneswar-Abu Dhabi route will:
- Enhance tourism inflow from the Gulf region
- Open doors for trade and investment from the Middle East
- Facilitate cultural exchange and connect the Odia diaspora
- Support agri-exports, as shown by the maiden cargo of 50 tonnes of mangoes exported
Boosting State GDP through Infrastructure and Connectivity
The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s focus on integrated infrastructure development, with special attention to air, road, and rail connectivity. He also flagged the resumption of Bhubaneswar–Visakhapatnam flights on the same day.
CM Majhi outlined that the government has already launched direct flights from Bhubaneswar to:
- Dehradun, Ghaziabad, Goa, Indore, Kochi, Lucknow, and Port Blair
And from Jharsuguda to:
- Hyderabad, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Raipur
With this growing network, Bhubaneswar is poised to become a major aviation hub in eastern India.
Odisha Rising Under Leadership of CM Mohan Majhi
This bold initiative is a reflection of CM Mohan Majhi’s vision of a prosperous, globally-connected Odisha. From promoting international air travel to enabling agricultural exports, the state government is committed to building a new Odisha—one that is modern, self-reliant, and future-ready.
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