Odisha is taking steps to restore direct air connectivity between Bhubaneswar and Dubai, with the state government inviting airlines to operate the route with financial subsidy support. The proposed service is expected to operate at least three times a week.
The state’s Commerce and Transport Department is exploring a subsidy-supported arrangement for an airline to deploy an aircraft with a minimum capacity of 180 seats on the Bhubaneswar–Dubai–Bhubaneswar route.
The direct service was originally launched by IndiGo on May 15, 2023, with support through the state government’s Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme. However, operations were discontinued in March 2026.
The proposed revival aims to improve connectivity for business travellers, tourists, students and patients travelling for healthcare. It would also benefit the Odia community living in the United Arab Emirates and passengers connecting through Dubai to destinations across the world.
Under the proposed arrangement, the selected airline would manage operational, commercial, regulatory and safety requirements, while government subsidy support would help improve the route’s financial viability.
If successfully restored, the service would provide Odisha with another direct international connection and make travel between Bhubaneswar and Dubai more convenient.