Odisha Steps In To Save Dubai-Bhubaneswar Direct Flight After Expats Voice Concerns

2026-02-03 02:23:34

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The eastern Indian state of Odisha has stepped in with a fresh subsidy proposal to prevent IndiGo's direct Dubai–Bhubaneswar flight from being discontinued, following concerns raised by the Odia diaspora in the UAE.

Khaleej Times had reported last month that bookings for the thrice-weekly service - the only non-stop air link between the Gulf and Bhubaneswar - were not available beyond the end of March, fuelling fears that the route could be withdrawn without warning.

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The state has now proposed renewed viability-gap funding (VGF) support to prevent any immediate discontinuation of the flight. The subsidy would allow IndiGo to keep the service running beyond the current booking window.

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According to a press release, the Odisha government has placed a proposal before the cabinet to continue and rationalise VGF support for select international routes from Bhubaneswar, including IndiGo's Dubai service.

Officials said the Dubai route faced the risk of discontinuation after passenger load factors declined following the withdrawal of earlier support.

Under the arrangement, IndiGo must maintain current frequencies and cap economy fares at ₹18,000 (around Dh730) one-way, before taxes.

In its statement, the government said it has proposed to“continue and rationalise VGF for select international routes from Bhubaneswar to support global connectivity, assist the Odia diaspora, and promote aviation-led growth.”

Officials stressed that Dubai serves as a major hub for the Odia migrant workforce, making direct connectivity critical to avoid dependence on indirect travel through other Indian metros.

The announcement has brought relief to the Odia community in the UAE.

Amiya Kumar Mishra, president of Odisha Samaj UAE, thanked Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi for what he described as timely intervention.

In a letter written on February 3, Mishra said the decision had reassured thousands of families.

“Your immediate action has brought immense relief to more than 40,000 Odias based in the UAE, for whom this direct air link is not merely a convenience but a vital connection to their home state,” he wrote in the letter, seen by Khaleej Times.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Mishra said the move had renewed hope that the Dubai–Bhubaneswar route would be retained and strengthened, with the community also seeking higher frequency in the future.

The total VGF support proposed for the routes over the six-month period is approximately Dh11 million, to be met from allocations under Odisha's B-MANN scheme to build and sustain international air connectivity.

Further decisions will be taken by the chief minister based on periodic performance reviews.