Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik opened air ticketing services to Singapore and Bangkok from the state, which will allow the people of Odisha to travel to these south-east Asian cities at a fair price directly.
Odisha has become the first state in India to support and commence international air connectivity in the public interest, an official statement read.
Indigo airlines will commence direct international flights to Singapore as well as Bangkok from Bhubaneshwar from June 3. Earlier, direct flight ticketing was launched by the chief minister to Dubai from Bhubaneshwar which will start from May 15.
The CM said the initiative will promote job opportunities for the youth, open up tourism potential and provide a boost to IT and ITES sectors.
"Odisha is now connected to top cosmopolitan Asian cities, opening a whole new world of opportunities for the people," the CM added. "In the last few years, aviation traffic in Odisha has seen immense growth. The Odisha government has come forward to make a sizeable contribution to ensure direct international flight connectivity between Bhubaneshwar and world-class destinations to meet people’s aspirations."
The CM hoped that these international flights would provide tourists more convenience and affordable travel options while also encouraging trade and tourism.
Patnaik also thanked the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and Indigo Airlines for the support.
Earlier during the budget presentation, the state government has made an allocation of Rs 100 crore to support the viability gap funding.
Singapore and Bangkok will be the threshold to the entire south-eastern Asian region while connectivity to Dubai will open the gateway to the Gulf, Europe, and Western countries making world tour accessible, convenient and affordable for the people of Odisha, an official said.
Vinay Malhotra, Head Global Sales, IndiGo, in a statement said, “IndiGo has been at the forefront of enhancing international connectivity and these new flights to Singapore and Bangkok will encourage tourism and trade in the city and the state.”