11th June 2025: Starting Thursday, June 12, 2025, Bhubaneswar’s Biju Patnaik International Airport will officially launch a direct flight to Abu Dhabi, operated by IndiGo Airlines. This long-awaited air route is a significant step in enhancing Odisha’s global connectivity, especially with the Gulf region.
The non-stop service will operate three times a week — Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday — strengthening travel links between eastern India and the UAE capital. Flights will depart from Bhubaneswar at 9:35 AM IST and arrive in Abu Dhabi at 12:35 PM local time, with a total journey time of around 4 hours and 30 minutes. The return flight will take off from Abu Dhabi at 2:35 AM and land in Bhubaneswar by 8:35 AM IST.
As per IndiGo’s website, the introductory one-way fare from Bhubaneswar to Abu Dhabi starts at ₹12,685, while return fares begin from ₹16,132. Prices are expected to vary based on seasonal demand and seat availability.
This new route follows the success of the Bhubaneswar-Dubai flight launched in May 2023, which continues to operate at near-full capacity. With a significant Odia diaspora in the UAE, Qatar, and Oman, the Bhubaneswar-Abu Dhabi service is expected to benefit not only migrant workers but also business and leisure travelers.
Officials believe this flight will open doors for broader trade, investment, and tourism opportunities, while also positioning Odisha as a more accessible destination on the international map. Given Abu Dhabi’s status as a global transit hub, travelers from Odisha can now connect more easily to Europe, the Americas, and Africa.
Bookings for the inaugural flights are reportedly filling up fast, reflecting strong interest and demand.