The much-awaited direct flights to Singapore and Bangkok will start operation from June 3 from Bhubaneswar, adding yet another feather in Odisha’s cap in terms of international connectivity.IndiGo airline has submitted the schedule to the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneshwar as both the destinations will have flights twice a week. The direct flights will give a huge boost to the Odisha’s tourism and open a gateway to Southeast Asian countries, opening up in turn business opportunities. According to the arrangement, the state government will bear costs of unsold tickets to these locations. The total ticket costs will come around INR 120 crore in a year. The government will take away the amount of the sold tickets.
The renovation of the international terminal building of the airport is going on in full swing and all necessary infrastructure are ready. The airport initially will use the old conveyer belt for luggage. Later, it will replace the old one with a new belt that will connect the link building (between the domestic and international terminals).
The maiden international flight from Bhubaneswar will take off from Biju Patnaik International Airport on May 15, 2023. International flight operations will also commence from Bhubaneswar to two more destinations – Singapore and Bangkok for which slots and other operational requirements are being finalised. Direct connectivity to aviation hubs like Dubai, Singapore and Bangkok will help channelise the huge potential for economic growth through enhanced accessibility.
The immigration and customs facilities have been created. “We have received the schedule from IndiGo. All necessary logistical support will be provided for smooth operation,” said airport director Prasanna Pradhan.
Government sources said IndiGo recently won the bid to operate direct flights to three important gateways. “Direct connectivity to aviation hubs like Dubai, Singapore and Bangkok will give a huge boost to connectivity,” government earlier said.
