Jharsuguda, Aug. 18 (UDN): Star Air has temporarily suspended its Hyderabad–Jharsuguda–Bhubaneswar flight service, citing operational constraints, airport authorities said.
The suspension, which came into effect on Monday, is expected to remain in place until October 24, according to reports. The development has raised concerns among passengers in western Odisha, where the flight served as a vital link with the state capital.
Airline Seeks Extension of VGF Support
Sources said Star Air has informed the Odisha government about the temporary suspension and has sought an extension of the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) support for another six months to sustain operations on the route.
The airline’s request comes amid rising operating costs, with a sharp increase in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices reportedly affecting the financial viability of the service.
The Hyderabad–Jharsuguda–Bhubaneswar sector had provided an important air connection for passengers travelling between western Odisha, Bhubaneswar and Hyderabad.
Western Odisha Faces Connectivity Setback
The suspension is particularly significant for Jharsuguda, as the Star Air service was the only direct air link between Jharsuguda and Bhubaneswar.
The route was widely used by patients, students, business travellers, government officials and other passengers who preferred air travel to avoid long road and rail journeys between western Odisha and the state capital.
With the service temporarily withdrawn, passengers may now have to depend on alternative flight routes or undertake longer journeys by road or rail.
Calls for Early Restoration
The development has prompted concerns among residents and frequent air travellers, who have urged the Odisha government to work with the airline to restore the service at the earliest.
Stakeholders have also stressed that dependable air connectivity between western Odisha and Bhubaneswar is important for healthcare, education, business and regional economic activity.
Meanwhile, IndiGo remains the only airline currently operating from Veer Surendra Sai Airport in Jharsuguda, with flights connecting the city to major destinations including Delhi, Kolkata and Bengaluru.
Passengers and local stakeholders will now be watching for further developments on Star Air’s VGF request and the possible resumption of the Jharsuguda–Bhubaneswar service before the October 24 deadline.