In a predawn meeting on 1 February 2026, the Indian state of Odisha approved a ₹26.87 crore (US $3.2 million) Viability Gap Funding (VGF) package to IndiGo Airlines to sustain its three-times-weekly Bhubaneswar–Dubai service until the end of the 2025-26 winter schedule. Officials warned that without support, the route—launched in 2023—could be axed after March due to low seasonal load factors. (newindianexpress.com)
Dubai is a critical gateway for Odisha’s 150,000-strong migrant workforce in the Gulf, many of whom take onward coaches to Abu Dhabi, Doha or Muscat. Losing the non-stop flight would force travellers to route via Mumbai or Delhi, adding at least six hours and ₹8,000 in extra fares.
For passengers who still need help arranging UAE entry permits, VisaHQ can simplify the process with online applications, document checks and doorstep passport pickup; full details are available at https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/
![Odisha commits ₹26.8 crore subsidy to keep Bhubaneswar–Dubai flight alive]()
The subsidy mirrors deals struck by other Indian states seeking direct Gulf links; however, critics argue that VGF distorts competition and ties up public funds. Odisha’s Commerce & Transport Department counters that the Dubai service generated an estimated ₹250 crore in remittances last year and supports emerging export channels for seafood and hand-loom products.
For UAE-based employers, the decision ensures continuity in crew rotations and family-visit travel during Ramadan. Mobility teams should nevertheless watch seat-inventory notices: IndiGo has halted bookings beyond 29 March 2026 pending a long-term funding verdict, raising the risk of disruption if future subsidies lapse.
Companies can hedge by securing transferable group fares on alternative hubs such as Hyderabad or Chennai, and by tracking forthcoming bilateral talks that may open the route to rival carriers.
Dubai is a critical gateway for Odisha’s 150,000-strong migrant workforce in the Gulf, many of whom take onward coaches to Abu Dhabi, Doha or Muscat. Losing the non-stop flight would force travellers to route via Mumbai or Delhi, adding at least six hours and ₹8,000 in extra fares.
For passengers who still need help arranging UAE entry permits, VisaHQ can simplify the process with online applications, document checks and doorstep passport pickup; full details are available at https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/
The subsidy mirrors deals struck by other Indian states seeking direct Gulf links; however, critics argue that VGF distorts competition and ties up public funds. Odisha’s Commerce & Transport Department counters that the Dubai service generated an estimated ₹250 crore in remittances last year and supports emerging export channels for seafood and hand-loom products.
For UAE-based employers, the decision ensures continuity in crew rotations and family-visit travel during Ramadan. Mobility teams should nevertheless watch seat-inventory notices: IndiGo has halted bookings beyond 29 March 2026 pending a long-term funding verdict, raising the risk of disruption if future subsidies lapse.
Companies can hedge by securing transferable group fares on alternative hubs such as Hyderabad or Chennai, and by tracking forthcoming bilateral talks that may open the route to rival carriers.
