TV
Odisha took a major step toward strengthening its regional air connectivity, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi flagging off the first direct flight service between Bhubaneswar and Jharsuguda, under the state’s B-MAAN (Building and Management of Aviation Assets and Network) scheme on Saturday.
The inaugural flight, operated by Star Air, departed from Biju Patnaik International Airport and marked a significant upgrade for intra-state travel. The 76-seater aircraft will bridge western Odisha’s industrial hub with the state capital, providing an alternative to long road and rail journeys.
Boost For Economic Opportunities
The Bhubaneswar-Jharsuguda service forms part of Odisha’s New Destination Policy, with viability gap funding (VGF) support to ensure operational sustainability. The policy reflects the government’s long-term vision of aviation for all and inclusive economic growth.
By easing mobility, particularly for business travellers, the service is expected to support industrial expansion in western Odisha and generate tourism opportunities that were previously constrained by travel time.
Detailed Flight Schedule
Star Air announced that flights on this route will run five days a week. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays:
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Flight S5 605 will depart Jharsuguda at 7:20 PM and land in Bhubaneswar at 8:05 PM.
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The return flight, S5 606, will take off from Bhubaneswar at 8:30 PM and arrive in Jharsuguda at 9:15 PM.
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Wednesdays: A mid-day service has been introduced, with S5 605 leaving Jharsuguda at 11:45 AM and reaching Bhubaneswar at 12:30 PM. The return leg will depart at 1:00 PM and land by 1:45 PM.
Dubai Flight In Jeopardy?
The new Jharsuguda service comes at a time when Odisha is strengthening both its regional and international connectivity. On June 12, Chief Minister Majhi had also flagged off a direct Bhubaneswar–Abu Dhabi service operated by IndiGo, further opening doors for overseas travel and trade.
However, challenges remain. The only direct Bhubaneswar–Dubai service, launched in May 2023 with much fanfare, is likely to be discontinued from October 24.
