Travel in India just got a whole lot easier and faster with direct flights between Jharsuguda and Bhubaneswar officially taking off on August 16, 2025. Operated by Star Air, this new service connects Veer Surendra Sai Airport (Jharsuguda) with Biju Patnaik International Airport (Bhubaneswar), bringing convenience, comfort, and speed to travelers in Odisha.
For years, people had to spend endless hours on trains or bumpy roads to get from western Odisha’s industrial hub to the state’s cultural and political capital. But now? A quick 45-minute hop in the sky does the job. That’s faster than grabbing a burger, fries, and milkshake at a busy drive-thru in Chicago during rush hour.
Direct Flights Between Odisha Capitals Begin Aug 16
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Start Date | August 16, 2025 |
| Airline | Star Air |
| Aircraft Type | Embraer E175 |
| Frequency | 5 days a week (Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat) |
| Flight Time | Approx. 45 minutes |
| Introductory Fares | ₹1,599 (Jharsuguda → Bhubaneswar) / ₹1,699 (Return) |
| Booking | Official Star Air Website |
| Infrastructure Boost | Jharsuguda terminal upgraded to handle 300 passengers |
The launch of direct flights between Jharsuguda and Bhubaneswar on August 16, 2025 isn’t just another travel story—it’s a milestone for Odisha’s growth and connectivity. With Star Air stepping in, travel time has been dramatically reduced, opportunities expanded, and regional development accelerated.
For locals, this means shorter trips, better business prospects, and improved access to education and healthcare. For visitors, it opens new doors to explore Odisha’s vibrant west and east with ease.
So whether you’re a student, a CEO, or a family looking for smoother journeys, these flights are your new go-to.
Why This New Flight Route Matters
Imagine living in Odisha’s western coal-belt city Jharsuguda, a booming industrial area with factories, students heading to colleges, and families eager to visit Bhubaneswar for medical care, government work, or cultural events. Until now, your main travel options were:
- Train rides lasting 6–7 hours.
- Road trips over unpredictable terrain, often stretching 8+ hours.
This new flight slashes travel time to under an hour, making it a real game-changer for professionals, students, and families.
And here’s the kicker: the launch was inaugurated by Odisha’s Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on August 16, symbolizing a commitment to making regional air travel accessible for all (Times of India report).
Star Air Steps In: From Regional Dreams to Reality
For context, Alliance Air previously flew this route under India’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN) but ended its service after the contract wrapped up. Enter Star Air, a private carrier with a reputation for comfortable regional flights.
The airline is deploying the Embraer E175, a modern jet with 2×2 seating, meaning no dreaded middle seat. Travelers can expect hot meals, beverages, and a smoother flying experience compared to the propeller planes many regional routes still use.
This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about economic opportunity. Air connectivity helps businesses expand, tourism flourish, and healthcare become more accessible. It’s like what direct flights did for Tulsa, Oklahoma, back in the day—suddenly, the world felt closer.
Flight Schedule Breakdown
Here’s how the Jharsuguda–Bhubaneswar route looks week-to-week:
- Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays
- Jharsuguda → Bhubaneswar (S5 605): Departs 7:20 PM → Arrives 8:05 PM
- Bhubaneswar → Jharsuguda (S5 606): Departs 8:30 PM → Arrives 9:15 PM
- Wednesdays
- Jharsuguda → Bhubaneswar: Departs 11:45 AM → Arrives 12:30 PM
- Return flight: Departs 1:00 PM → Arrives 1:45 PM
Average flight duration: 45 minutes.
Introductory fares: ₹1,599 one-way and ₹1,699 return.
Why Professionals, Families, and Students Should Care
1. For Business Travelers
Western Odisha is loaded with industries—aluminum, steel, thermal power, and more. Executives who used to burn a whole day just to attend a meeting in Bhubaneswar can now make it a morning-to-evening trip. That’s not just time saved—it’s productivity boosted.
2. For Students
Jharsuguda students heading to Bhubaneswar for college entrance exams or university admissions? Instead of a grueling 7-hour journey, they can arrive fresh and focused in under an hour.
3. For Families and Healthcare
Bhubaneswar is home to some of Odisha’s best hospitals. Quicker access means better healthcare opportunities for families in Jharsuguda and nearby towns.
The Infrastructure Story
The Odisha government has handed over 296.5 acres to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to upgrade Jharsuguda’s terminal. The new terminal now accommodates 300 passengers at a time.
Think of it as moving from a small-town bus stop to a fully equipped transit hub—bigger lounges, better facilities, and a gateway to more connectivity in the future.
A Step Toward Stronger Regional Connectivity
This route is part of a bigger movement in India: improving regional air connectivity so that smaller cities are no longer isolated. Programs like UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) have already transformed travel in several states.
When you look at the U.S., this is similar to how small towns in Texas or Montana get connected by regional flights to major cities, unlocking business and tourism growth.
For Odisha, this route strengthens ties between its industrial west and political east—an alignment that benefits everyone.
Practical Advice: How to Make the Most of This New Route
- Book Early: Introductory fares are limited. Grab tickets in advance on Star Air’s official site.
- Plan Business Trips Smartly: The evening flights are perfect for same-day returns.
- Leverage for Family Travel: Avoid the long road trip stress—elderly family members will thank you.
- Combine with Tourism: Jharsuguda is close to natural attractions like Koilighughar waterfall and Hirakud Dam. Plan a trip around them.
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FAQs
Q1: How long is the flight from Jharsuguda to Bhubaneswar?
About 45 minutes, compared to 6–8 hours by train or car.
Q2: Which airline operates the route?
Star Air, using Embraer E175 aircraft.
Q3: How often do flights run?
Five days a week—Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Q4: What’s the fare?
Introductory fares start at ₹1,599 (one-way).
Q5: Where can I book tickets?
Directly on Star Air’s official website.
Q6: Will more routes open up from Jharsuguda?
Very likely. With infrastructure upgrades, more regional connections could be added soon.
