Bhubaneswar to Abu Dhabi direct flights to launch this month: Odisha now connected to four International hubs

In a major boost to Odisha’s aviation and global outreach, the Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar is set to launch direct flight services to Abu Dhabi very soon, marking a significant milestone in the state's international connectivity.

With this launch, Bhubaneswar will now be directly linked to four major global destinations: Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok, and now Abu Dhabi.

According to reports, the direct Bhubaneswar-Abu Dhabi flights will begin on June 12. Preliminary estimates also suggest that one-way economy fares for the route will range between Rs 12,000 to Rs 15,000, depending on season and availability.

Although the flight frequency and airline details are expected to be formally announced shortly, initial indications point to regular weekly departures to cater to both business and leisure travellers.

Strategic Gulf Connection

The decision to start the Bhubaneswar-Abu Dhabi flight comes on the heels of the remarkable success of the Bhubaneswar-Dubai route, launched in May 2023, which has consistently witnessed full bookings.

The consistent demand for Gulf connectivity, given the large Odia diaspora in the Middle East and the region’s role as a global transit hub, suggests the new Abu Dhabi route will also draw strong patronage.

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Domestic Expansion and Passenger Growth

The international expansion coincides with rapid growth in domestic connectivity. Since April, Bhubaneswar has introduced direct flights to Ghaziabad (Hindon), Port Blair, and Goa, pushing the total number of domestic connections from BPIA to 28 destinations.

With 56 daily arrivals and departures, the airport is evolving into a regional hub for Eastern India.

Notably, BPIA witnessed a 26.9% jump in passenger traffic in 2024, a strong indicator of Odisha’s growing prominence on the aviation map. While it narrowly missed its target of five million annual passengers, officials remain optimistic about surpassing it in 2025, thanks to both domestic and international additions.

Jharsuguda and Puri also on the Map

Odisha’s aviation growth story isn’t confined to Bhubaneswar alone. In March 2025, a daily direct flight was launched between Jharsuguda and Mumbai, enhancing connectivity for western Odisha. The route is expected to bolster regional economic activity and meet longstanding public demand for better access to national metros.

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Meanwhile, Puri, one of India’s holiest pilgrimage destinations, is poised to become Odisha’s next aviation hub. In May, the Ministry of Civil Aviation granted in-principle approval for a Greenfield airport in the city, home to the holy Jagannath Temple, which draws millions annually.