Bhubaneswar Set to Get New Flights to Tirupati, Surat, Bhopal and Shirdi

Bhubaneswar Set to Get New Flights to Tirupati, Surat, Bhopal and Shirdi

The Odisha government is planning to expand air connectivity by introducing new domestic flight routes from Biju Patnaik International Airport to key cities such as Tirupati, Surat, Bhopal, and Shirdi. The move aims to improve passenger travel options and restore connectivity following the suspension of several domestic and international routes.

Regional Airline Likely to Operate Flights
Officials indicated that a regional airline may operate these routes, with Star Air emerging as a strong contender. The proposed services are expected to use smaller aircraft with a seating capacity of around 70 passengers. Discussions are ongoing, and an agreement may be finalised soon, though flight frequency is yet to be confirmed.

Focus on Religious and Business Connectivity
The selected destinations cater to both pilgrimage and commercial travel needs. Tirupati and Shirdi are major religious centres likely to see high passenger demand, while Bhopal will strengthen connectivity with central India. Surat, a key commercial hub, is expected to boost business travel. Currently, many passengers depend on connecting flights via Hyderabad to reach Tirupati, underlining the need for direct routes.

Decline in Connectivity Raises Concerns
The initiative comes at a time when Bhubaneswar has witnessed a decline in flight operations. Services to several domestic destinations, including Indore, Jaipur, Lucknow, Goa, Kochi, and Port Blair, have been discontinued. International connectivity has also reduced, with only Bangkok remaining directly connected after routes to Dubai and Singapore were suspended.

This disruption has led to a drop in passenger traffic, estimated at 1,200 to 1,500 passengers daily. Even with new routes, officials anticipate a net shortfall of around 700 to 800 passengers per day.

Airport Continues to Show Growth
Despite these challenges, Biju Patnaik International Airport has recorded steady growth, crossing the 50 lakh annual passenger mark in November, with monthly traffic exceeding 4 lakh passengers.

The proposed routes are expected to strengthen Odisha’s aviation network, boost tourism and pilgrimage travel, and revive passenger traffic, reinforcing Bhubaneswar’s position as a key regional aviation hub.