Chhattisgarh: Sai launches Alliance Air flights from Ambikapur to Delhi, Kolkata

Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai said aviation services are being steadily expanded across the state. Ambikapur in north Chhattisgarh is headquarters of Surguja district

Published on: Mar 30, 2026, 21:07:08 IST

By Ritesh Mishra, RAIPUR

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Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday virtually inaugurated flight services connecting Ambikapur in northern Chhattisgarh with Delhi and Kolkata, asserting that the state government was working to expand air connectivity and make air travel accessible to common people.

The flights from Ambikapur were launched by chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai. Ambikapur is the headquarters of the Surguja district and division. (X/@ChhattisgarhCMO)

The two flights will be operated by Alliance Air.

Sai said air connectivity between Ambikapur, the headquarters of Sarguja district, and the two metros - Delhi and Kolkata - was expected to act as a catalyst for trade, tourism, and regional economic growth.

“Aviation services are steadily expanding across the state,” Sai said, highlighting that night landing facilities at Bilaspur airport were operational from this Sunday. He also pointed to the Chhattisgarh Viability Assistance for Yatri Udaan (CG-VAYU) scheme as a key pillar in supporting smooth domestic operations, adding that new cargo services at Raipur airport will help local products reach global markets.

Deputy chief minister Vijay Sharma said that the introduction of 72-seater aircraft at Ambikapur (Darima) would significantly reduce the travel time to Delhi and Kolkata.

According to officials, Alliance Air will operate two flights to Delhi from Ambikapur’s Maa Mahamaya Airport every week, on Mondays and Wednesdays, while the Kolkata service is scheduled for Thursdays and Saturdays.

As a vital administrative and commercial hub, Ambikapur is also a gateway to major tourist destinations like Mainpat and Tatapani.

The state government has pitched the flights as an effort to unlock the region’s potential by providing direct access to major markets and investment opportunities.

Developed under the Centre’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN), the 365-acre Maa Mahamaya Airport underwent a ₹48.25 crore upgrade. Originally built in 1950, the airstrip’s runway was extended from 1,500 to 1,800 metres to accommodate larger ATR aircraft in compliance with standards laid down by aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civi Aviation.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra
Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More

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