New Delhi (Agency): Odisha achieved a significant milestone in its aviation sector on Thursday as Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia launched the first flight service between Bhubaneswar and Utkela in Kalahandi district. This new route aims to enhance connectivity, spur commerce, and promote tourism in the region.
While Chief Minister Patnaik was physically present at Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar for the event, Minister Scindia joined via video conferencing. Both leaders also officially opened the Utkela Airport in a ceremony attended by Odisha’s Commerce and Transport Minister Tukuni Sahu and other key officials.
“Happy to flag off the first flight between Bhubaneswar and the newly inaugurated Utkela Airport in Kalahandi district,” Chief Minister Patnaik said. “This airport adds another golden chapter to Odisha’s aviation sector. It will help fulfill the aspirations of the people in this region.”
Minister Scindia echoed these sentiments, highlighting the broader significance for India. “Eastern India has always enriched the country with its culture and civilization,” he said. “As India advances, the development of this region is our priority. This new service will bring new energy to Odisha’s aviation sector and foster employment, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth.”
Utkela Airport became Odisha’s fifth operational airport, joining Bhubaneswar, Jharsuguda, Jeypore, and Rourkela. Operated by IndiaOne airline, the service will connect Utkela and Bhubaneswar with flights twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. According to official sources, the flight will depart from Bhubaneswar at 7:15 a.m. and arrive at Utkela at 8:25 a.m. The return flight will leave Utkela at 8:50 a.m. and land in Bhubaneswar at 10 a.m.
For this inaugural period, ticket prices have been set at an affordable Rs 999 per passenger. Demand seems high, as all tickets between Utkela and Bhubaneswar are already sold out for the month of September. Utkela Airport operates under the regional connectivity scheme UDAN, aimed at making air travel more accessible.
The state government invested about Rs 162 crore in acquiring land, constructing the runway, and building the terminal for Utkela Airport. The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has given the green light for flight operations to start.
This development in Odisha’s aviation comes at a critical time as the region seeks to boost its local economy and provide more accessible travel options for its residents. The new air link promises to bring about a range of benefits for the state and the people living in it, offering new opportunities in tourism, business, and employment.
