Dubai-Bhubaneswar direct flight uncertainty spells trouble for 40,000 Odias in UAE!

Concern is mounting among the Odia diaspora in the United Arab Emirates as Odisha Samaj UAE has urged the Odisha government to intervene following indications that the direct IndiGo flight between Dubai and Bhubaneswar may be discontinued from March 30, 2026.

The organisation stated that the information appeared on IndiGo’s official website, which has also stopped accepting bookings for the sector beyond the said date.

The letter recalls a similar situation in September 2025, when the discontinuation of the same route was averted following timely intervention by senior state government officials. The continuation of the service since then has been of significant value to the Odia community and other stakeholders.

Reduced UAE–Odisha Connectivity

Odisha Samaj UAE highlighted to the Chief Secretary in the letter that the direct Abu Dhabi–Bhubaneswar flight, which operated thrice a week, has already been discontinued, sharply reducing direct air connectivity between Odisha and the UAE and causing inconvenience to travellers.

“Once again, IndiGo Airlines has created uncertainty by removing the Dubai–Bhubaneswar flight from its website, raising concerns that the service may not continue. In this regard, I appeal to the Odisha government, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to intervene. The absence of direct flight connectivity will deprive the Odia community in the UAE including white-collar professionals and businesspersons of vital benefits related to tourism, travel, business and healthcare. Around 35,000 to 40,000 Odias living in the UAE will face serious difficulties,” said Amiya Mishra, President, Odia Samaj UAE.

A Lifeline for Odias Abroad

The Dubai–Bhubaneswar flight is described as a vital link for over 40,000 Odias living in the UAE, supporting family travel, tourism, and business ties, with Dubai serving as a major aviation hub. Warning of adverse impacts on the diaspora, tourism, and investment prospects, the organisation urged the state government to intervene and ensure the route is retained, expressing confidence in continued support for Odias abroad and Odisha’s development goals.