The Odisha government has recently approved 10 new flight routes aimed at improving regional connectivity and boosting tourism. This decision was made during a committee meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg. The new routes will connect Bhubaneswar and Jharsuguda, the state’s primary aviation hubs, with significant cities such as Ahmedabad, Pune, Jaipur, Bhopal, Shirdi, Tirupati, Surat, Puri, Kolkata, and Ujjain. Star Air will operate these routes using smaller aircraft suitable for regional travel.
Supporting this expansion is the ₹4,182 crore B-MAAN scheme, which will be implemented from 2025 to 2030. So far, over ₹500 crore has been allocated for upgrading regional airstrips, including those at Satibhata, Jamadarpalli, Raisuan, Amarda Road, and Gotma. Additionally, there are plans to establish new heliports in areas lacking air access, such as Nabarangpur and Phulbani, along with a dedicated heliport at the Taratarini shrine.
Odisha is collaborating closely with the Central government to expedite the development of the Shree Jagannath International Airport in Puri. The airports in Jharsuguda and Rourkela are also being prioritized, with directives to complete all land transfers by May 2026. Malkangiri airport is on track to become fully operational, and advancements are being made at the Biju Patnaik Aviation Centre in Birasal, Dhenkanal.
To ensure the continued growth of the aviation sector, the committee has decided to review and update the Odisha Civil Aviation Policy 2022, with plans to present an improved version for cabinet approval soon. Officials are also preparing a proposal to reduce VAT on aviation fuel, which aims to attract more airlines and lower operational costs, making Odisha a more appealing destination for domestic carriers.
