The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party-led state government for discontinuing the Dubai-Bhubaneswar direct flight service, emphasizing its importance for tourism, trade, and connectivity. The BJD highlighted that the service, initiated by the BJD government on May 15, 2023, is vital for the 40,000 Odias residing in the UAE. The party urged government intervention to protect these crucial aspects.
The BJD government had allocated Rs 100 crore annually as viability gap funding to ensure the sustainability of the thrice-weekly Dubai-Bhubaneswar service. Since its inception in 2023, the direct flight has enhanced Dubai’s status as a global travel hub, providing new opportunities for investment, trade, and tourism in Odisha. The party expressed concern over the BJP government’s decision to terminate this service.
Lenin Mohanty, the party spokesperson, criticized the BJP government for its inefficiency in ending the direct flight, warning of the adverse impact on the mobility and connectivity of Odias in the UAE. The potential discontinuation of the IndiGo service between Dubai and Bhubaneswar from March 30, 2026, due to operational issues has raised uncertainties among travelers and the Odia diaspora in the Gulf region.
The Odisha Samaj UAE (OSUAE), representing the Odia diaspora in the Emirates, has urged the Odisha government to engage with relevant authorities and airlines to retain the critical air link between Dubai and Bhubaneswar. Additionally, the organization highlighted the discontinuation of the Abu Dhabi-Bhubaneswar flight, reducing direct air connectivity between Odisha and the UAE, causing inconvenience to residents in Abu Dhabi and nearby areas.
