The first direct flight from Bhubaneswar to Dubai in the history of Odisha has lifted off, spreading the wings of prosperity beyond borders. As one of the most significant chapters in its drive for the overall development of Odisha, this time is particularly significant for the State.
While connecting the State with foreign locations has always been the guiding principle, Odisha will benefit in many more ways from this direct flight to Dubai. Odisha has been working towards sustainable growth in all areas, including industrialization, services, tourism, IT, skill development, health care, and education, under the direction of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. The direct flight will have a significant impact and might perhaps shift the game by establishing this worldwide connection.
To enhance direct international foot traffic to the State, the State administration launched the direct air services in collaboration with IndiGo Airlines. It will link the numerous Indians living overseas who wish to travel to Odisha in order to visit the Puri Dham and see Lord Jagannath.
Travelers would have a long journey to the capital of Odisha because Dubai is the most well-known and active worldwide tourist destination. Travelers from the Middle East, Far East, America, Europe, and Africa will be able to connect thanks to the direct flight. Odias who reside in these locations can go directly to their native Odisha without having to stop at any airports outside of the state.
The convenience of travelling directly to Odisha through this flight will benefit a substantial portion of the Odia diaspora who are now residing in the gulf countries. There is a sizable Odia population in nations like the UAE, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia who wants to keep linked to their home country and will gain greatly from this trip.
The government of Odisha launched the Skilled in Odisha movement, which has been producing skilled labourers in a variety of fields. In foreign markets like the Middle East, there is a great opportunity for skilled labour. The establishment of the direct flight has eliminated the communication barrier, allowing the youth of Odisha to readily search for possibilities there.
The direct route to Dubai will greatly aid Odisha’s expanding information technology sector by making it easy for them to travel to European and American destinations. This direct flight has finally been provided after years of pressure from the IT sector.
The Mission Shakti Movement of Odisha, which was launched under the direction of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, will find a market and exposure abroad.
The Mission Shakti movement has been changing and empowering the lives of women in Odisha as part of its drive for gender equality. Members of the Mission Shakti SHG have started their own businesses. They are currently among the largest and best makers of goods with a global market. Via Dubai, products from Odisha can now be sold in foreign markets.
Reacting about the direct flight to Dubai, CM Naveen Patnaik has said that “Fulfilling the aspirations of people, Odisha will start direct flight services to Dubai from 15th May. Odisha is the 1st State in India to support international air connectivity. The flights, to be operationalised by IndiGo , will open a whole new world of opportunities for Odias.”
CM also said, “The Bhubaneswar-Dubai flight services will open the gateway to the Gulf, Europe, and Western countries making world tour accessible and affordable for the people of Odisha. This will open up tourism potential of Odisha and help Odia youth explore job opportunities.”
Investor response to the Made In Odisha Conclave, which was held in Dubai a few months ago, was overwhelmingly positive. Middle Eastern businesses are anxiously anticipating the opportunity that Odisha presents. A growth trajectory that has never been witnessed will undoubtedly be accelerated by the direct flight to Dubai. International recognition of Odisha’s efforts is growing, and this modest achievement will lay the groundwork for the State’s many future accomplishments.
Prasanta Patnaik