The air service connecting Raipur, Jagdalpur, and Hyderabad—considered crucial for people in the Bastar region—has remained suspended for nearly a year. The closure of the flight has caused significant inconvenience not only for regular passengers but also for traders and tourists who rely on the route for faster connectivity.
Business communities in Bastar have particularly expressed dissatisfaction over the prolonged suspension, saying the lack of direct air connectivity has affected travel and commercial activities in the region.
Amid growing demand, efforts are now being intensified to restart the service. District authorities have reportedly initiated discussions with the airline company Alliance Air to revive operations on this route. Officials indicated that a positive development regarding the resumption of flights could emerge by the first week of March.
If the service resumes, it is expected to provide major relief to residents of Bastar by reducing travel time and improving connectivity with major cities. It could also make travel easier for tourists coming to the region from Hyderabad and Raipur, potentially boosting Bastar’s tourism sector.
Earlier, Alliance Air had been operating regular flights on this route. However, the service was discontinued around mid-2024 due to low passenger numbers and financial losses. Authorities and local stakeholders are now hopeful that the flight could return in the upcoming summer schedule if operational conditions improve.
