Bhubaneswar: International air connectivity from Odisha is set to receive a boost amid the possibility of resumption of IndiGo’s direct flight between Bhubaneswar and Bangkok from November.
According to information, bookings for the direct Bangkok service, which got suspended a few months ago, have reportedly opened, indicating that the route is likely to return to operation from the winter schedule.
“IndiGo’s direct flight from here to Bangkok is set to start operations from November, for which booking has started,” TOI quoted an airport official as saying.
The resumption is expected to boost overseas travel options for passengers from Odisha, even as flights to Abu Dhabi, Singapore and Dubai remain suspended. Interestingly, the Bangkok service used to witness healthy passenger response before it was halted.
Data from the Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) showed the route operated with only 15 to 19 per cent seat vacancies on average, indicating strong demand among leisure and business travellers.
Among BPIA’s international destinations, Dubai had emerged as the best-performing route before operations were disrupted amid tensions in West Asia. Official figures revealed that flights to Dubai were frequently booked to capacity, with the maximum vacancy recorded at only around nine seats since the route’s launch.
On the other hand, Singapore struggled with lower passenger demand, with nearly 40 per cent of seats going vacant on several occasions.
Officials said efforts are underway to restore and sustain international services from Bhubaneswar. The state govt is reportedly in discussions with IndiGo to address operational concerns and ensure continuity of flights.
