Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Samaj UAE, representing the sizeable Odia diaspora in the United Arab Emirates, has urged the Odisha government to intervene urgently following IndiGo Airlines’ reported decision to discontinue its direct Dubai–Bhubaneswar flight from the end of March 2026.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary of Odisha, the organization expressed serious concern after noticing that IndiGo has stopped accepting bookings for the route beyond March 30, 2026, indicating a likely suspension of the service. The development has caused anxiety among the Odia community, especially as a similar discontinuation threat in 2025 was averted only after timely government intervention.
The thrice-weekly direct flight is described as a crucial lifeline for more than 40,000 Odias residing in the UAE. It plays a key role in facilitating family visits, medical travel, and cultural exchange, while also supporting tourism, trade, and business ties between Odisha and the Gulf region. Given Dubai’s position as a global aviation hub, the route also enables seamless onward connectivity from other GCC countries to Bhubaneswar.
The concern is further compounded by the earlier suspension of the Abu Dhabi–Bhubaneswar direct flight in late 2025, which had also operated three times a week. With both routes under threat or already discontinued, direct air connectivity between Odisha and the UAE has been significantly reduced, forcing passengers to depend on longer and costlier connecting flights.
Odisha Samaj UAE highlighted that the Dubai–Bhubaneswar service often operates at near-full capacity, reflecting sustained passenger demand. The loss of this route could adversely impact the Odia diaspora, reduce inbound and outbound tourism, and dampen emerging trade and investment opportunities—particularly at a time when Odisha is positioning itself as an attractive destination for Gulf-based investors.
Recalling the successful intervention by senior state officials in September 2025, which helped retain the service earlier, the organization has appealed for immediate engagement with IndiGo Airlines. It has suggested exploring options such as viability gap funding or other incentives to ensure the continuity of this strategically important international route.
Notably, former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had flagged off the direct flight from Bhubaneswar to Dubai in 2023.
Highlighting the benefits of aligning Odisha with a global travel junction such as Dubai, Naveen 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.
Odia Diaspora in UAE Urges Odisha Government to Intervene as IndiGo Plans to Suspend Direct Dubai–Bhubaneswar Flight News Room Odisha.
Hence then, the article about odia diaspora in uae urges odisha government to intervene as indigo plans to suspend direct dubai bhubaneswar flight was published today ( ) and is available on News room odisha ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Odia Diaspora in UAE Urges Odisha Government to Intervene as IndiGo Plans to Suspend Direct Dubai–Bhubaneswar Flight )
Also on site :