AIR connectivity between Jabalpur and Kolkata is set to improve with the launch of a direct flight by Alliance Air. The new service is expected to begin later this month or in early August. As per the proposed schedule shared by the airline, the ATR-72 aircraft will operate three days a week on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The flight will depart from Kolkata at 7.05 am and arrive in Jabalpur at 9.35 am. It will then leave Jabalpur at 10 am and reach Kolkata at 12.35 pm. At present, there is no direct flight between the two cities. Passengers have to travel through connecting flights. The new service is expected to reduce travel time and make the journey more convenient and economical. The demand for direct air connectivity to Kolkata had been pending for a long time. It was raised by the Bengali community, industrialists, traders and students from the region.

 

The new flight is expected to benefit the education, healthcare, business and tourism sectors. Students travelling to Kolkata for higher education, patients seeking medical treatment and businesspersons engaged with eastern India will get faster and easier connectivity. It will also help Bengali families living in Jabalpur. Local industries, including marble, agricultural products and MSMEs are also expected to benefit from improved access to eastern markets. Booking for the new service is expected to open soon on the airline’s website and other major travel portals. Airport officials said all preparations at Dumna Airport have been completed for the new flight. The morning schedule will allow passengers to complete their work in Kolkata and return conveniently. MP Ashish Dubey said the new service will further strengthen Jabalpur’s position on the national air connectivity map.