Bhubaneswar to Abu Dhabi Direct Flights from June 12
State capital now linked to four international hubs as aviation sector records rapid expansion
Odisha’s international air connectivity is set to receive a major boost with the launch of direct flights between Bhubaneswar and Abu Dhabi starting June 12. The new route from Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) will mark the fourth direct international connection from the state capital, joining existing links to Dubai, Singapore, and Bangkok.
Initial fares on the Bhubaneswar–Abu Dhabi route are expected to start at ₹12,000, with weekly frequencies anticipated. Official schedules and airline partners are expected to be announced shortly.
The launch of the Abu Dhabi flight follows the success of the Bhubaneswar–Dubai service introduced in May 2023, which has seen consistently high passenger volumes. The growing demand from the Odia diaspora and the region’s strategic position as a Gulf gateway have played a key role in expanding connectivity to the Middle East.
Domestic Expansion and Network Growth
The state’s aviation surge extends beyond international routes. Bhubaneswar has recently added direct flights to Hindon (Ghaziabad), Port Blair, and Goa, bringing its total domestic network to 28 cities. Currently, BPIA operates 56 daily flight movements (arrivals and departures), solidifying its status as a major aviation hub in eastern India.
Passenger traffic at the airport rose by 26.9% in 2024, with officials confident of surpassing the 5 million annual passenger mark in 2025, thanks to expanding connectivity and rising demand from both business and leisure travellers.
Statewide Aviation Momentum
The aviation boom is also reaching other parts of the state. In March 2025, Jharsuguda Airport introduced a direct daily flight to Mumbai, catering to long-standing regional demand. Additionally, Puri is poised to emerge as Odisha’s next aviation hub, with the Ministry of Civil Aviation granting in-principle approval for a new Greenfield airport in the holy city earlier this month.
The proposed airport in Puri, a major pilgrimage destination, is expected to enhance tourism, improve regional accessibility, and drive economic development.
With rapid international and domestic expansions, Odisha’s aviation sector is firmly on a high-growth trajectory, reflecting the state’s rising profile as both a travel and investment destination.
