Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday virtually inaugurated flight services connecting Ambikapur in north Chhattisgarh with Delhi and Kolkata, asserting that the state government was working to expand air connectivity and make air travel accessible to the general public.
Both flights will be operated by Alliance Air.
Sai said air connectivity between Ambikapur, the headquarters of Sarguja district, and the metros – Delhi and Kolkata – is expected to act as a catalyst for trade, tourism and regional economic growth.
“Aviation services are expanding steadily across the state,” Sai said, highlighting that night landing facilities at Bilaspur airport have started functioning from Sunday. He also cited the Chhattisgarh Viability Assistance for Yatri Udaan (CG-VAYU) program as a key pillar to support smooth domestic operations, adding that the new cargo services at Raipur airport will help local products reach global markets.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma said that the introduction of a 72-seater aircraft at Ambikapur (Dharima) would significantly reduce travel time to Delhi and Kolkata.
According to officials, Alliance Air will operate two flights to Delhi from Ambikapur’s MA Mahamaya Airport every week, on Mondays and Wednesdays, while the Kolkata service is scheduled to operate on Thursdays and Saturdays.
As a vibrant administrative and commercial centre, Ambikapur is also the gateway to major tourist destinations such as Mainpat and Tatapani.
The state government has pitched the flights as an attempt to unlock the region’s potential by providing direct access to key markets and investment opportunities.
Developed under the Center Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN), the 365-acre Ma Mahamaya Airport has undergone a revamp $48.25 Crores Upgrade. Originally built in 1950, the runway was extended from 1,500 to 1,800 meters to accommodate larger ATR aircraft in accordance with standards set by the aviation regulatory body, DGCA.
