Bhubaneswar Airport Sees Passenger Slump; Kochi Flight Suspended, Dubai Route at Risk

Bhubaneswar’s Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) is experiencing a sharp decline in passenger occupancy on several domestic routes, prompting airlines to suspend or scale back services.

Flights to Kochi, Port Blair, Indore, and Dehradun have seen occupancy rates dip below 40%, with the Kochi route already suspended until the festive season.

Airport Director Prasanna Pradhan confirmed the move, citing poor bookings during the monsoon months. While Bhubaneswar remains connected to 30 domestic destinations, some routes now operate only four days a week, unlike the daily flights to metro hubs like Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai.

International connectivity is also under threat. IndiGo’s direct Bhubaneswar–Dubai flight, launched in May 2023, may be discontinued from October 24.

The potential loss of this route could impact the Odia diaspora and local businesses, forcing travellers to rely on connecting flights such as the newer Bhubaneswar–Abu Dhabi service.

Despite the downturn, expansion plans are forging ahead. The Centre has approved a third terminal (T-3) at BPIA, designed to reflect Odisha’s cultural heritage and boost passenger capacity.

Additionally, several of the state’s 20 airstrips may be upgraded into full-fledged airports to enhance regional connectivity.