The Commerce and Transport Department of Odisha has invited airlines to operate on the Rourkela-Kolkata and Bhubaneswar-Jharsuguda routes, offering viability gap funding (VGF) and incentives under the New Destination Policy 2025. This move follows erratic flight services by Alliance Air, impacting connectivity in the region.
In an advertisement notice issued on March 13, 2025, the department called for proposals from commercial airlines to operate scheduled round-trip flights (up to seven per week) on these domestic routes. The state government aims to enhance air connectivity and encourage new airline entrants by providing financial support per the policy guidelines.
Interested airlines can also submit applications to introduce new routes based on demand assessment. This initiative is expected to boost regional air travel, improve passenger convenience, and strengthen Odisha’s aviation network.
