Bhubaneswar: International air connectivity from Odisha is set to receive a significant boost with the direct Bhubaneswar-Bangkok flight service scheduled to resume from October 2, 2026.
The development is expected to bring relief to passengers travelling between Odisha and Thailand for tourism, business, education and other purposes. The resumption of the service will also strengthen Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA)‘s links with major destinations in Southeast Asia.
BPIA Director Prasanna Pradhan confirmed that the international flight service will restart from October 2 and operate twice a week.
Direct Bangkok Flight to Resume After Temporary Suspension
The direct international service between Bhubaneswar and Bangkok had been temporarily suspended in July. According to airport authorities, the decision to suspend the service may have been linked to a decline in passenger demand and the route’s load factor.
With the winter flight schedule approaching and the tourist season expected to gain momentum, the service is now being reinstated.
Pradhan said the airline is likely to have reviewed passenger demand before deciding to restart the route.
Twice-Weekly Service to Connect Odisha With Thailand
Once restored, the Bhubaneswar-Bangkok flight will operate two times a week, providing passengers with a direct travel option between Odisha’s capital and Thailand.
The service is particularly significant for travellers who previously had to consider connecting flights when travelling between the two destinations.
Bangkok is one of Southeast Asia’s major tourism and business hubs, attracting travellers from across India. The direct connection is therefore expected to benefit both leisure and business travellers from Odisha and neighbouring regions.
Tourist Season Expected to Drive Passenger Demand
The timing of the resumption is significant as the winter travel season approaches.
According to BPIA Director Prasanna Pradhan, the temporary suspension may have been influenced by lower passenger footfall during the previous period. With the tourist season picking up, the airline expects demand on the route to improve.
“The international Bangkok flight is restarting from October 2, 2026. It was temporarily suspended since July. Now, it will operate twice weekly starting October 2,” Pradhan said.
He added that Bangkok’s status as a popular tourist destination and the beginning of the winter schedule could help improve passenger numbers on the route.
Boost to Bhubaneswar’s International Air Network
The revival of the direct flight is expected to strengthen Bhubaneswar’s position as an international aviation gateway for Odisha.
For passengers from the state and nearby regions, a direct connection to Bangkok can make travel more convenient by reducing dependence on connecting routes.
The service could also contribute to increased tourism and business interactions between Odisha and Thailand, while supporting the broader expansion of international connectivity from Biju Patnaik International Airport.
Better Connectivity for Tourism and Business
The Bhubaneswar-Bangkok route has significance beyond passenger convenience. Easier air access to Thailand could encourage greater movement of tourists, entrepreneurs, professionals and other travellers between Odisha and Southeast Asia.
With Bangkok serving as an important regional hub, the restored connection could also offer passengers greater access to other destinations across the region.
Airport authorities are hopeful that the renewed service will receive a stronger response as international travel demand rises during the upcoming winter and tourism season.
