Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has invited bids from airline operators to resume direct flight services between Bhubaneswar and Dubai. The international route was suspended in March amid tensions in West Asia. The latest move aims to restore direct air connectivity between Odisha and the United Arab Emirates, offering passengers another travel option for business, tourism and other purposes.
According to a tender reported by The Times of India, the selected airline will operate under a state-supported subsidy scheme and must deploy an aircraft with a minimum seating capacity of 180 passengers.
Odisha Invites Bids to Resume Dubai Flight Service
The state government’s tender seeks an airline operator capable of meeting the operational and regulatory requirements for the Bhubaneswar–Dubai route.
Under the proposed arrangement, the selected airline will receive support through a state-backed subsidy scheme. The aircraft deployed on the route must have at least 180 seats, ensuring sufficient passenger capacity for the international service.
The initiative is expected to help restore direct connectivity between Bhubaneswar and Dubai following the suspension of the service amid the regional tensions in West Asia.
However, the resumption date will depend on the selection of an airline operator and the fulfilment of the required conditions.
Minimum Three Flights Every Week
The tender specifies that the selected airline must operate at least three flights per week between Bhubaneswar and Dubai.
The operator will also be required to meet all applicable regulatory, operational, commercial and aviation safety requirements before commencing services.
The airline must comply with the rules and guidelines prescribed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and other relevant authorities.
These requirements are intended to ensure that the resumed international service operates in accordance with India’s aviation regulations and applicable safety standards.
Bhubaneswar–Dubai Direct Flight Service Began in 2023
The direct flight service between Bhubaneswar and Dubai began on May 15, 2023. Before its suspension, the service operated three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
The route provided direct air connectivity for passengers travelling between Odisha and Dubai, reducing the need for connecting flights through other cities.
Its suspension in March disrupted this direct connection, making the proposed resumption significant for travellers who depend on the route for business, tourism and other travel requirements.
If restored, the service could make international travel more convenient for passengers from Bhubaneswar and other parts of Odisha.
Bhubaneswar–Bangkok Flights Resume
Meanwhile, direct flight services between Bhubaneswar and Bangkok resumed on October 2, after the international route had remained temporarily suspended since July.
The resumption of the Bangkok service has restored another international travel option for passengers from Odisha.
With the state government now inviting bids to bring back the Bhubaneswar–Dubai route, efforts are underway to strengthen international air connectivity from Bhubaneswar.
Improved International Connectivity for Odisha
The proposed restoration of direct flights to Dubai could benefit Odisha’s business community, tourists and passengers travelling for personal reasons. Better international connectivity can also make travel more convenient for people who would otherwise need to use connecting flights.
The state’s subsidy-supported initiative reflects an effort to encourage airline operators to serve international routes from Bhubaneswar.
The actual resumption of the Dubai service will depend on the bidding process, the selection of an eligible operator and the completion of the necessary regulatory and operational arrangements.
