Jharsuguda: In a significant boost to air connectivity, Veer Surendra Sai (VSS) Airport, Jharsuguda, welcomed its first direct flight from Mumbai operated by IndiGo Airlines on Saturday. The inaugural flight marks a milestone in linking the industrial hub of western Odisha with the financial capital of India.
The launch was celebrated with a cake-cutting ceremony attended by Jharsuguda MLA Tankadhar Tripathy, VSS Airport Director Sandeep Tiwari, and officials from IndiGo Airlines. The first flight saw an impressive response, with 122 passengers arriving from Mumbai and 92 departing from Jharsuguda. Additionally, the inaugural flight was also given a customary Water Cannon Salute at the Airport.
Airport Director Sandeep Tiwari said, “IndiGo Airlines has launched direct flight service to Mumbai. The flight is an Airbus A321 type aircraft whose seating capacity is 232 passengers. It is one of the biggest flights. The flight will arrive at VSS airport at 1:00 pm and depart for Mumbai at 2:00 pm. On the inaugural flight, the total passengers on arrival were 122 passengers while 92 passengers had departed for Mumbai.”
Jharsuguda MLA Tankadhar Tripathy highlighted the importance of the new flight connectivity, remarking, “It is a proud moment for Jharsuguda to be directly connected with the financial capital of India, Mumbai. I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for starting this airport and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, along with Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, for initiating this flight service. The aircraft used for this route is one of the biggest, with a seating capacity of 232 passengers. This service will significantly contribute to the growth of Odisha and this region.”
Passengers on the inaugural flight expressed their excitement. Mohan K, a Mumbai-based business traveller, said, “This connectivity was much needed. Earlier, we had to travel via Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, or Raipur to take a flight to Mumbai. This direct flight will greatly benefit business travellers like me.”
“I booked this flight without knowing it was the inaugural service. I am delighted that Jharsuguda now has this connectivity, which will be beneficial for many.” Said Debashreeta Sabat, a trainee pilot,
Apart from Mumbai, IndiGo currently operates direct flights from Jharsuguda to Delhi, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. Other airlines, such as Star Air Airlines provide connectivity to Hyderabad, Lucknow, and Raipur, and Alliance Air provides connectivity to Bhubaneswar, further enhancing the region’s accessibility.
