Star Air Suspends Jharsuguda-Bhubaneswar Flight

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tar Air Jharsuguda Bhubaneswar flight service has been suspended from Monday until October 24, 2026.
The airline has reportedly cited operational constraints and rising aviation turbine fuel costs.
Star Air has sought an extension of viability gap funding support to help sustain the route.

BHUBANESWAR: The Star Air Jharsuguda Bhubaneswar flight service has been temporarily suspended, disrupting a direct air connection between western Odisha and the state capital. The suspension began on Monday and is currently expected to continue until October 24, 2026, according to airport authorities.

The airline has reportedly attributed the decision to operational constraints and has informed the Odisha government. Sources have also indicated that Star Air has requested an additional six months of viability gap funding (VGF) support to help maintain the service.

The suspension could have a direct impact on passengers who depended on the route to avoid lengthy road and rail journeys between Jharsuguda and Bhubaneswar.

Star Air Jharsuguda Bhubaneswar Flight Faces Operational Pressure

The route has reportedly come under financial pressure amid rising aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices. Higher fuel costs can significantly affect the economics of regional routes, particularly where passenger volumes may not be sufficient to absorb increased operating expenses.

VGF support is therefore important for the continuation of the service. If additional support is approved, it could improve the airline’s ability to resume the route once the current suspension period ends.

The Hyderabad-Jharsuguda-Bhubaneswar service has served as an important link for western Odisha passengers, particularly those travelling to the state capital for healthcare, education, government work and business.

Star Air Jharsuguda Bhubaneswar Flight Suspension Hits Key Travellers

Patients travelling to Bhubaneswar for medical treatment, students attending educational institutions and business travellers are among those who could face additional inconvenience.

With the direct service unavailable, passengers may have to use trains or buses, or consider connecting flights through other cities. These alternatives could increase both travel time and overall travel expenses.

The issue is particularly important for western Odisha, where dependable connectivity with Bhubaneswar can influence access to major hospitals, educational institutions, government offices and commercial centres.

Jharsuguda Airport Connectivity Under Pressure

At present, IndiGo is the only airline operating from Veer Surendra Sai Airport in Jharsuguda, with services connecting the city to Delhi, Kolkata and Bengaluru.

The temporary withdrawal of Star Air’s service has therefore reduced the number of direct aviation options available to passengers travelling from the region.