Odisha clears 10 new flight routes to boost regional air connectivity

Odisha has approved 10 new domestic flight routes as part of a broader push to strengthen regional air connectivity and support tourism and economic activity.

The decision was taken at a high-level committee meeting chaired by chief secretary Anu Garg, with routes focused on linking Bhubaneswar and Jharsuguda to key cities across India.

New routes target tier-2 connectivity

Officials said the proposed routes will connect the two cities with destinations including Ahmedabad, Pune, Jaipur, Bhopal, Shirdi, Tirupati, Surat, Puri, Kolkata and Ujjain, The New Indian Express reported.

The routes are expected to be operated by Star Air using smaller aircraft, with a focus on improving access to tier-2 and religious destinations such as Tirupati and Shirdi.

The move reflects a wider effort to deepen regional aviation links in a market where direct connections between smaller cities remain limited.

Infrastructure expansion under B-MAAN scheme

The route approvals come alongside a broader infrastructure push under the state’s Rs 4,182 crore B-MAAN scheme for 2025 to 2030, aimed at building and managing aviation assets, according to The New Indian Express.

More than Rs 500 crore has been allocated for developing airstrips at Satibhata, Jamadarpalli, Raisuan, Amarda Road and Gotma.

Heliports are also being planned in districts with limited connectivity, including Nabarangpur and Phulbani, as well as at Taratarini, officials said.

In parallel, expansion work is under way at existing airports in Jeypore and Tusura as part of a wider strategy to strengthen the state’s aviation network.

Policy review and airport pipeline gather pace

The committee also decided to engage with the central government to accelerate work on the proposed Shree Jagannath International Airport in Puri.

Expansion of airports in Jharsuguda and Rourkela is expected to gather pace, with land transfer processes targeted for completion by May 2026.

Officials said the Odisha Civil Aviation Policy 2022 will be reviewed, with a revised version to be placed before the state cabinet.

Separately, the state has directed preparation of a proposal to reduce VAT on aviation turbine fuel to support airline operations and improve route viability.

The meeting also emphasised development of the Biju Patnaik Aviation Centre in Dhenkanal district and operationalisation of the Malkangiri airport.

Odisha’s latest approvals signal a coordinated attempt to build out both routes and infrastructure, aligning policy with capacity creation.

However, the pace of execution, airline participation and sustained passenger demand will determine whether the expanded network delivers lasting gains in regional connectivity and tourism growth.