image credits: CMO Odisha
Bhubaneswar is set to enhance its aviation network with the introduction of direct flight connectivity to Ghaziabad and Port Blair starting March 30, 2025. This development, announced by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) aims to increase tourism, trade, and economic growth through improved air linkages. It will be facilitated by Air India Express under the state government’s innovative New Destination Policy.
What are Bhubaneswar’s New Direct Flight Connectivity to Ghaziabad & Port Blair?
Bhubaneswar will connect directly to two prominent domestic destinations: Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh and Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Bhubaneswar flight to Ghaziabad & Port Blair will operate from Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI Airport) under the stewardship of Air India Express.
- Ghaziabad Connectivity: The flight to Ghaziabad will link Bhubaneswar to the bustling National Capital Region (NCR). Ghaziabad’s Hindon Airport, serves as an alternative to Delhi’s overcrowded Indira Gandhi International Airport. This route will facilitate smoother travel for business professionals, students, and tourists traveling between Odisha and the NCR.
- Port Blair Connectivity: The direct flight to Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, opens up a gateway to one of India’s most sought-after tourist destinations. Known for its pristine beaches Port Blair attracts over 500,000 visitors annually. This connectivity will boost Odisha’s tourism sector by offering residents easier access to the Andamans while drawing visitors from the islands to explore Odisha’s temples & wildlife sanctuaries.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for supporting the expansion of India’s aviation sector, emphasizing that these new routes will enhance tourism, trade, and commerce. The daily operations of these flights ensure reliability and convenience, catering to the growing demand for seamless travel options. Odisha contributes approximately 4.5% to India’s domestic tourism.
Existing Flight Connectivity from Bhubaneswar to Other Cities
Bhubaneswar’s aviation landscape is already impressive, with BBI Airport serving as a vital link to multiple cities across India. Bhubaneswar enjoys daily flights to India’s major metropolitan cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bengaluru. These routes, serviced by carriers like IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara, cater to a passenger volume that has grown by 12% annually over the past five years.
Since March 5, 2023, Bhubaneswar has offered direct international connectivity to Dubai via IndiGo. This route has been a game-changer for Odisha’s diaspora and international tourists. Flights to cities like Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune, and Visakhapatnam operate regularly. The airport also connects to emerging destinations such as Indore and Dehradun, introduced in early 2025. With over 50 daily departures and arrivals, BBI Airport handles a diverse mix of domestic and international traffic. Odisha’s investment in aviation infrastructure includes plans for a new terminal at BBI Airport announced in October 2024 by Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu.
How is Air India Express connecting Odisha to India?
Air India Express, a low-cost subsidiary of Air India, has emerged as a pivotal player in Odisha, particularly through its operations from Bhubaneswar. Under the New Destination Policy, the airline has been connecting Odisha to new regions, making air travel more accessible and affordable. Launched in January 2025, Air India Express introduced direct flights from Bhubaneswar to Jaipur, Kochi, Lucknow, and Patna. These daily services have added approximately 720 seats per week to Bhubaneswar’s flight capacity. As of March 30, 2025, Air India Express will operate daily flights to Ghaziabad and Port Blair. Each route will utilize Boeing 737 aircraft with a capacity of 180 passengers, offering around 2,520 weekly seats combined.
Operational Impact in Odisha
Air India Express’s focus on Odisha extends beyond Bhubaneswar. The airline’s role in the New Destination Policy has spurred a 20% increase in flight frequency from BBI Airport since January 2025 (based on aviation trends). With a fleet designed for efficiency and cost-effectiveness, Air India Express ensures competitive fares, making air travel viable for a broader demographic in Odisha, where per capita income has risen by 8% annually (Economic Survey of Odisha, 2023-24).
