Seeking to protect its diaspora links and budding trade ties, Odisha’s state cabinet on 1 February approved ₹26.87 crore (USD 3.2 million) in Viability Gap Funding for IndiGo’s non-stop flights from Bhubaneswar to Dubai and Singapore until March 2026. Passenger loads on the routes plunged after earlier subsidies were withdrawn, prompting the airline to halt bookings beyond March.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg said direct flights are “critical economic infrastructure”—Dubai serves thousands of Odia blue-collar workers in the Gulf, while Singapore is a gateway for electronics and agri-exports. Without support, travellers would need to transit through Delhi or Kolkata, adding 6-8 hours and higher fares.
![Odisha extends subsidy to keep Bhubaneswar–Dubai & Singapore flights alive]()
The subsidy, part of the state’s B-MAAN aviation-development scheme, will cover shortfalls between operating costs and ticket revenue. However, funding for the Bangkok route ends this month, and IndiGo’s Abu Dhabi service was discontinued in December.
For corporates, the extension ensures continuity of cargo belly capacity and eases crew rotations for offshore projects. Mobility managers moving staff to Odisha mining and IT hubs can plan assignments without rerouting via other metros.
The cabinet will review performance in March before deciding on further support. Analysts say a sustained marketing push and code-share agreements could help the routes attain self-sufficiency within 12-18 months.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg said direct flights are “critical economic infrastructure”—Dubai serves thousands of Odia blue-collar workers in the Gulf, while Singapore is a gateway for electronics and agri-exports. Without support, travellers would need to transit through Delhi or Kolkata, adding 6-8 hours and higher fares.
The subsidy, part of the state’s B-MAAN aviation-development scheme, will cover shortfalls between operating costs and ticket revenue. However, funding for the Bangkok route ends this month, and IndiGo’s Abu Dhabi service was discontinued in December.
For corporates, the extension ensures continuity of cargo belly capacity and eases crew rotations for offshore projects. Mobility managers moving staff to Odisha mining and IT hubs can plan assignments without rerouting via other metros.
The cabinet will review performance in March before deciding on further support. Analysts say a sustained marketing push and code-share agreements could help the routes attain self-sufficiency within 12-18 months.
Source: The Times of India
