Raipur, March 30, 2026: Taking a significant step towards strengthening air connectivity within the state, Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai today virtually inaugurated the Ambikapur–Delhi–Kolkata air service.
Speaking on the occasion, he stated that the state government is continuously striving to connect the state’s major cities through air services, thereby enabling the common people to benefit from accessible air travel.
It has been the Prime Minister’s vision that “even a person wearing hawai chappals (flip-flops) should be able to travel by air,” and in Chhattisgarh, this dream now appears to be becoming a reality, the Chief Minister remarked.
Congratulating the citizens of the Sarguja region, he noted that this significant facility has been made possible through the efforts of public representatives and the local Member of Parliament.
Direct connectivity with the national capital, Delhi, and Kolkata will boost trade, tourism, and economic activities in the region, Sai said.
He further informed that air services within the state are being continuously expanded, and a night landing facility was recently commissioned at Bilaspur Airport.
Additionally, the state budget includes provisions for the smooth operation of domestic air services through the ‘CG Vayu’ scheme. The commencement of cargo services at Raipur Airport will facilitate the transportation of the state’s local products to national and international markets, the Chief Minister added.
Deputy Chief Minister-Home Vijay Sharma, speaking on the occasion, stated that the operation of a 72-seater aircraft at Ambikapur (Darima) will further strengthen connectivity between Delhi, Ambikapur, and Kolkata.
Appreciating the Chief Minister’s efforts, Sharma remarked that this initiative has brought immense convenience to the state. He also highlighted that, alongside the launch of the night landing facility in Bilaspur, air connectivity is also being expanded in Jagdalpur, located in South Chhattisgarh.
Participating virtually in the programme, Minister Rajesh Agarwal and Sarguja MP Chintamani Maharaj also extended their best wishes to the Chief Minister for this initiative.
Notably, as per the scheduled timetable, passengers will have access to travel facilities in both directions (inbound and outbound), and air connectivity for the Bilaspur region will also be significantly strengthened.
Ambikapur, serving as the headquarters of the Sarguja Division, is a major administrative, educational, and commercial hub in North Chhattisgarh. This region is rich in natural resources, forest wealth, and mineral reserves.
Furthermore, the presence of tourist attractions such as Mainpat, Tatapani, and various waterfalls presents immense potential for tourism in the area.
With the commencement of air services, the Sarguja Division will be directly connected to the national capital, Delhi. This will accelerate commercial activities, boost investment opportunities, and provide local products with access to the national market.
Alliance Air Flight Schedule (4 Days a Week): These flights will be operated by the airline Alliance Air. For the convenience of passengers, ticket bookings have already commenced on the official website.
It is noteworthy that the Maa Mahamaya Airport in Darima has been developed under the Central Government’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN).
Originally constructed in 1950, the airstrip was expanded to extend the runway from 1,500 meters to 1,800 meters, thereby enabling the operation of larger aircraft, such as ATRs, at this facility.
Maa Mahamaya Airport, Darima (Ambikapur), spans an area of approximately 365 acres. A sum of Rs 48.25 crore was sanctioned for the civil and electrification works at the airport, ensuring that all construction and development activities were executed in strict compliance with DGCA standards.
The terminal building at Maa Mahamaya Airport has been upgraded to accommodate a capacity of 72 passengers. Additionally, the airport features parking facilities for approximately 100 vehicles, along with the construction of a four-lane road leading up to the terminal building.
Delhi Route (Mondays and Wednesdays): Monday (Flight No. 91613): Arriving in Ambikapur at 11:35 AM via Bilaspur from Delhi. On the return leg, the flight will depart directly from Ambikapur to Delhi at 12:00 PM. Wednesday (Flight No. 91614): Arrives in Ambikapur from Delhi at 10:25 AM and departs for Delhi—via Bilaspur—at 12:00 PM.
Kolkata Route (Thursdays and Saturdays): Saturday (Flight No. 91763): Arrives in Ambikapur from Kolkata—via Bilaspur—at 10:00 AM and departs directly for Kolkata at 10:25 AM. Thursday (Flight No. 91765): Arrives in Ambikapur from Kolkata at 08:50 AM and departs for Kolkata—via Bilaspur—at 09:15 AM.
