Bhubaneswar: The Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) is all set for the launch of Air India’s direct international flight operations to Bangkok twice a week.
According to sources, the airport Sunday will welcome the national carrier’s maiden flight from Bangkok with a water salute. As per schedule, the flight from Bangkok (AI 339) is expected to arrive at city airport by 7am.
With this new flight, BPIA will have direct international flights to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. AirAsia’s daily international flight to Kuala Lumpur is getting a good response.
Currently, Air India and AirAsia are two major operators offering domestic and international connectivity from BPIA. According to schedule, the Bangkok-Bhubaneswar flight will take off from Bangkok at 5:40 am and will reach Bhubaneswar by 7am. Similarly, the Bhubaneswar-Bangkok flight will take off from BPIA at 3:45pm and reach Bangkok by 8:15pm. This service is available on Thursdays and Sundays.
AI’s Bhubaneswar-Bangalore flight
Apart from international operations, Air India Sunday will start twice weekly Bangalore service on Thursdays and Sundays. Apart from Bangalore, Air India has flights to Delhi.
According to airline schedule, Bhubaneswar-Bangalore flight will take off from Bhubaneswar at 8:45am and arrive at Bangalore by 11am. Similarly, the return flight from Bangalore will take off at 11:40am and arrive in Bhubaneswar at 1:50pm.
Airports Authority of India (AAI) officials said the airport would have more international flights soon. “Currently, we are having two international flights and we are already in touch with other airlines. We are confident that we will have more international flights soon. The international operations at BPIA will also help the air cargo movement,” said a top AAI official.
Airline sources, informed Orissa POST that SpiceJet is also planning to start international operations from the BPIA soon. According to sources, the airline is planning an international flight to Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. AAI officials have already started discussions with the airline. But, SpiceJet officials refused to comment on this.
The successful international operation to Kuala Lumpur from the city airport is attracting more operators. Expecting more footfall, the AAI has already decided to invest around Rs 300 crore in the next three years for development of international terminal (Terminal II).
PNN