Even as Odisha rolls out an ambitious strategy to position itself as a leading destination for MICE tourism, a critical challenge threatens to undermine its efforts, shrinking air connectivity from Bhubaneswar, the state’s primary gateway for business travellers.Several domestic and international flight routes from Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) have been suspended over the past few months. On the international front, direct flights to Dubai and Singapore, considered crucial for attracting global delegates, investors and corporate travellers, have been discontinued due to declining passenger demand. Earlier, the Abu Dhabi service was also withdrawn. At present, Bangkok remains the only international destination directly connected to Bhubaneswar, with flights operating just twice a week.The flight suspensions have highlighted concerns over operational constraints, seasonal demand fluctuations and commercial viability.Tourism stakeholders maintain that strong air connectivity is the backbone of a successful MICE ecosystem. Convention delegates, corporate executives and event organisers generally prefer destinations that offer direct flights and seamless travel options. While the state has successfully hosted several marquee events in recent years, sustaining growth in the MICE segment will require improved access from key domestic and international markets, they added.The chairman of the Odisha chapter of the Indian Association of Tour Operators, Gagan Sarangi, said air connectivity remains one of the foremost considerations for event planners. “A company or organisation plans a large-scale event six months to a year in advance and logistics play a crucial role. If a flight route is withdrawn, it changes the entire equation,” he said.Sarangi stressed that BPIA should have stronger connectivity not only with metro cities but also with emerging tier-II destinations. “Today, most corporate travellers prefer air travel. Seamless connectivity is essential if Odisha wants to compete with other MICE destinations,” he added.Highlighting another challenge, Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha president, J K Mohanty, said the state must do more to promote its MICE infrastructure nationally and internationally. “Almost all major hotels in Odisha now have MICE facilities, and several more are coming up. In fact, Bhubaneswar’s MICE infrastructure is far superior to what exists in some older metropolitan markets. However, adequate promotion of these facilities is still lacking,” Mohanty said.
