Bhubaneswar: The state government on Friday strongly objected to the withdrawal of Air India's flight services connected the state capital to Bangalore and Bangkok.

In a letter to Union civil aviation minister Suresh P. Prabhu, chief minister Naveen Patnaik said: "The abrupt suspension of the existing operations has been a severe jolt to the aviation and tourism sector in the state. Similarly, the withdrawal of the domestic flight between Bengaluru and Bhubaneswar has come as a setback for the IT industry in the state."

The state is worried as it would deprive thousands of computer professional working in Bangalore to get direct flights.

Bhubaneswar airport got international tag on October 30, 2010, and the international flight from here to Bangkok by Air India was flagged off almost after seven years on December 10, 2017.

"It was expected that Air India would subsequently expand its operations to other destinations like Singapore, Indonesia, Sri Lanka etc. But, the abrupt suspension of the existing operations has been a severe jolt to the Aviation and Tourism sector in the State. Similarly, the withdrawal of the domestic flight between Bengaluru and Bhubaneswar has come as a setback for the IT industry in the State," chief minister said.

Urging the Union minister to direct the Air India Authority to resume the flight, Naveen said: "I would like to urge upon you to impress the Air India management to restore these operations forthwith and also explore the possibility to start international operations from Bhubaneswar to other South East Asian countries considering the immense potential in these routes."

Even the common people have strongly disapproved of the Centre's decision to withdraw the flight services.

"Bangalore is the hub of the IT world. If there is no direct flight between Bhubaneswar and Bangalore, it will be tough for computer professionals to reach here in case of an emergency. Similarly, IT companies will not be interested to come to Odisha," said Satyajit Mohanth, a computer professional based in Bangalore with more than 25 years of experiences.

New flight

Biju Patnaik International Airport has announced the launch of a direct flight between Bhubaneswar and Ahmedabad to be operated by low-cost airline IndiGo.

"IndiGo will start direct flight operations between Bhubaneswar and Ahmedabad within a few days," airport director Suresh Chandra Hota said.

The authorities have also urged two airlines - IndiGo and AirAsia - to start operations between Bhubaneswar and Pune.