Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik urges Centre for direct flight between Bhubaneswar and Dubai

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday urged Centre to take steps for launching of direct international flight between Bhubaneswar and Dubai to meet growing need of travellers.

state has been witnessing rise in traffic to various international destinations due to increase in industrial investments and tourist footfalls, Patnaik said in a letter to Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Civil Aviation, Hardeep Singh Puri.

"Various international airlines have evinced interest to start international flight operations from Biju Patnaik International Airport, here to Dubai," he said.

However, restriction on landing rights has been a deterrent for such operations by international airlines, chief minister said in his letter, copy of which was released to media on Saturday.

In absence of direct flights from state to or international destinations such as Dubai and or countries in Middle East, passengers face immense difficulties to go to ir desired places, he said.

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Patnaik said this can be addressed if air connectivity is established between Bhubaneswar and Dubai which also serves as an international hub for passengers travelling to or overseas destinations.

Although Air India has international flights from Bhubaneswar to Middle East via New Delhi, it is a costlier and time-consuming option, he said, adding that a direct flight is necessary between two cities as re is sufficient passenger load.

"In view of above, I would request you to impress upon Air India or any or airline to introduce direct international flight between Bhubaneswar and Dubai to meet growing demand of people of Odisha for international travel," Patnaik added. 

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