The Government of Odisha has reportedly cleared a proposal to introduce 10 new regional flight routes, aiming to significantly enhance air connectivity and drive tourism growth. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, with a focus on decentralizing aviation services and improving access to emerging destinations.
The proposed routes are expected to be operated by Star Air using smaller aircraft, making regional travel more accessible and efficient.
Key Cities to Be Connected
Under the plan, Bhubaneswar and Jharsuguda will be linked to several major cities and pilgrimage destinations, including:
- Ahmedabad
- Pune
- Jaipur
- Bhopal
- Shirdi
- Tirupati
- Surat
- Puri
- Kolkata
- Ujjain
Officials believe this network expansion will not only improve passenger mobility but also unlock tourism potential in lesser-connected regions.
Airstrip Upgrades and Infrastructure Expansion
To support the new routes, the government is planning upgrades to multiple airstrips, including:
- Satibhata
- Jamadarpalli
- Raisuan
- Amarda Road
- Gotma
These upgrades are expected to enable scheduled flight operations and strengthen last-mile connectivity. Additionally, expansion plans are being reviewed for Biju Patnaik International Airport to accommodate rising passenger traffic.
B-MAAN Scheme to Drive Aviation Growth
The initiative aligns with the state’s ambitious B-MAAN (Building and Management of Aviation Assets and Network) scheme for 2025–30, which has a total outlay of ₹4,182 crore. Over ₹500 crore has been earmarked specifically for airstrip development.
The plan also includes:
- Development of heliports in underserved districts like Nabarangpur and Phulbani
- Upgrades to regional airports such as Jeypore and Tusura
- Operationalisation of Malkangiri airport
Future Plans: Airport Expansion and Policy Review
The committee has also directed officials to fast-track discussions on the proposed Shree Jagannath International Airport in Puri, while ensuring land transfer processes for expansion projects in Jharsuguda and Rourkela are completed by May 2026.
In addition, a review of the Odisha Civil Aviation Policy 2022 is underway, with a revised version expected to be placed before the cabinet soon. The government is also exploring reductions in VAT on aviation fuel to encourage airline operations and improve affordability.
