Odias — people from the eastern Indian state of Odisha — living in the UAE will soon face travel disruptions as direct Dubai-Bhubaneswar flights are set to be suspended from March 28, 2026.

The move is expected to impact thousands of expatriates who will rely on this route for family visits, work, and travel, while also affecting trade and tourism connections between Odisha and the Gulf.

This comes after the Bhubaneswar-Abu Dhabi route was already suspended last December, and now similar disruptions are looming for major international connections, including Singapore.

IndiGo has already stopped online bookings for these routes beyond March, leaving the community uncertain about travel plans.

The Odia Samaj UAE has reached out to the Odisha government, requesting immediate intervention. A letter highlighting concerns about the suspension has been sent to the Chief Secretary, emphasising the importance of this service for over 40,000 expats from the eastern state living in the UAE.

The Dubai-Bhubaneswar flight is not just a lifeline for residents travelling home; it also supports tourism, trade, and connectivity with other Gulf countries. Earlier, a similar suspension planned for September 2025 was avoided thanks to government intervention; the Odia community now hopes for the same proactive response to maintain this crucial route.

Inputs from Kalingatv.com