Bhubaneswar, Aug. 8 -- https://images.odishatv.in/uploadimage/library/16_9/16_9_0/recent_photo_1754671714.webp

TheOdisha government had launched international flights to attract tourists and investment. However, the government is now spending nearly Rs 8 crore per month to compensate airlines for unoccupied seats. RTI data reveals that over Rs 170 crore has been paid in two years under the viability gap funding scheme.

According to sources, in a major tourism push, the State government introduced direct international flights from Bhubaneswar to some of the key destinations-Dubai, Bangkok, and Singapore. However, an RTI response has revealed that the initiative is costing the State heavily due to low passenger turnouts.

Since the inaugura...