Today: 31 May 2025
16 May 2023
2 mins read

Maiden Bhubaneshwar-Dubai flight flagged off

The chief minister emphasised that May 15 marks a new chapter scripted in Odisha’s stride towards global connectivity….reports Asian Lite News

Chief Minister of the Indian State of Odisha Naveen Patnaik flagged off the maiden flight from Bhubaneswar to Dubai on Monday at the Biju Patnaik International Airport.

Highlighting the benefits of aligning Odisha with a global travel junction such as Dubai, Patnaik said that global connectivity is a key driver of overall developments – be it industrial development, facilitating investments, promoting tourism or establishing communication for the Odia diaspora residing outside India. Dubai is a major travel and tourism junction in the middle east providing a gateway to the European and the US markets.

The chief minister emphasised that May 15 marks a new chapter scripted in Odisha’s stride towards global connectivity.

To mark the occasion, delegates from Odisha including leaders and members of Mission Shakti, delegations from the World Skill Centre, Special Development Council, Panchayati Raj, and celebrated sportspersons, who were felicitated by the CM at Naveen Nivas earlier in the day, boarded the flight with the rest of the travellers who had booked their tickets after the ticket sale went live on Utkal Dibasa on April 1, a release said.

A total of 170 people including the aircraft crew travelled on this maiden flight from Bhubaneswar to Dubai.

Special arrangements were made to see off the travellers from Odisha. The flyers were felicitated with Uttariya, Odisha Tourism kit bag and offered sweets and flowers by the hostesses at the departure terminal.

Meanwhile, the travellers who arrived via the 1st direct flight from Dubai to Bhubaneswar were given a warm welcome in the presence of Minister of Tourism & OLLC Aswini Kumar Patra and Minister of Commerce & Transport, Tukuni Sahu.

It is pertinent to note that the CM made a commitment back in June 2022 during the Odisha Investors’ Meet held in Dubai to establish international flight connectivity between Odisha and Dubai in the first phase.

These flights, being operated by Indigo Airlines, will run thrice a week. Besides, the State Government has also worked towards establishing direct flight connectivity with the Southeast Asian markets through Singapore and Bangkok, with the commencement of these flights scheduled from early June 2023, said a release. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Iran, Egypt to restore relations soon

Previous Story

UAE President receives Saudi King’s invite to Arab Summit

Next Story

UAE vows commitment to Arab unity for economic stability

Latest from -Top News

World needs Dubai’s ambition: Morgan

Piers Morgan has hailed Dubai’s transformation as an example of what visionary leadership can achieve. British broadcaster Piers Morgan has praised the extraordinary ambition and vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin

Mohammed honours football champions

Ruler of Dubai hails players as role models during palace reception His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, received the

Abu Dhabi sets 2050 energy vision

Abu Dhabi unveils AED400 billion energy roadmap, inked climate finance pact ahead of 2026 UN Water Conference Abu Dhabi has unveiled a sweeping strategic framework to transform its energy and water sector

Gargash: UAE’s pragmatism sets regional example

Anwar Gargash says the UAE stands as a beacon of what is possible when pragmatism and vision come together. As political instability, economic fragmentation and rapid technological change continue to reshape the

US flag returns to Damascus

Billions in energy deals and lifted sanctions mark Syria’s reintegration, as US reopens embassy and declares the war-torn nation “open for business” under new regional partnerships. The United States has reopened its
Go toTop

Don't Miss

UAE intercepts, destroys three drones with hostile intent

The UAE has said that it intercepted three drones with

CBUAE’s February balance sheet hits record Dh750b

On a monthly basis, the central bank’s balance sheet increased