Celebration in Odisha capital as direct flight to Bangkok starts

Bhubaneswar: Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) today witnessed a big celebration with launching of Air India’s direct flight operation to international destination Bangkok from here.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik flagged off the direct flight services to Thailand capital at BPIA in the afternoon.

Patnaik described the direct flight operation to Bangkok as a ‘historic’ moment and hoped it will further strengthen Odisha’s ties with southeast Asian countries.

“It will also boost trade and tourism. Besides, it will pave way to attract more international visitors to our Buddhist tourism centres,” he said.

He spent happy moment with the passengers and crew members by cutting the cake at the airport. Sweets were distributed among the officials and passengers at the airport. Tourism Minister Ashok Panda, Bhubaneswar MP Prasanna Patsani, Bhubaneswar Mayor Ananta Jena, Bhubaneswar MLAs, Chief Secretary AP Padhi and other senior officials were present on the occasion.

The flight number A1338 took off at 3.45 pm from BPIA. The flight is scheduled to arrive at 8.15 pm in Bangkok.

The maiden flight carrying 18 passengers from Bangkok had arrived at 7 am at BPIA here. The passengers received warm welcome after they landed at Bhubaneswar airport this morning.

Read: Maiden AI Bangkok-Bhubaneswar flight lands at Odisha capital

With launch of the direct international flight, Air India now connected Odisha with Thai capital Bangkok. The direct flight services between two destinations will boost tourism.

The flight services between Bhubaneswar and Bangkok will be available twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays. The flight will leave for Bangkok at 3.45 pm on the scheduled days from Bhubaneswar airport.