Welcome to Odisha, where the allure of ancient temples, picturesque beaches, and cultural festivities beckons travelers from far and airports in Odisha.
However, with this tapestry of attractions, the state’s airports serve as vital gateways for visitors seeking to explore its myriad wonders.
With a list of airports in Odisha, Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar is its primary aviation hub Odisha ensures seamless connectivity for domestic airports in Odisha and international travelers alike.
Furthermore, the state boasts several regional airports, including the Jharsuguda Airport, facilitating convenient access to lesser-known gems such as the Hirakud Dam and Sambalpur.
Whether you’re embarking on a spiritual pilgrimage to Puri or marveling at the architectural splendor of the Sun Temple in Konark, Odisha’s airports stand ready to welcome you to great journey of discovery.
Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar
Biju Patnaik International Airports in Odisha are the sole international gateway to Odisha, embodying the state’s modern connectivity and convenience aspirations.
Further, named after the illustrious aviator and freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this airport blends functionality and aesthetics.
In 2013, a new terminal (T1) designed to accommodate approximately 4 million passengers for domestic flights was inaugurated, complementing the refurbished older terminal (T2) tailored for international operations.
Notably, T1 sets itself apart with eco-friendly features aligned with green building standards, encompassing sewage treatment facilities and rainwater harvesting.
Its interiors are a canvas celebrating Odisha’s cultural heritage through art and sculpture. Moreover, the terminal offers a range of amenities, including spas, lounges, food kiosks, art galleries, and bookstores.
Recognized as India’s best airport for consecutive years and ranked 17th busiest by the Airports Authority of India, Biju Patnaik International Airport symbolizes Odisha’s emergence on the global aviation map.
Jharsuguda Airport
Situated in western Odisha and spanning 909 acres, Jharsuguda Airport holds a profound historical legacy.
Notably, its airfield was pivotal during World War II, and it was utilized by the Allied Forces to thwart Japanese advances.
Following a period of abandonment, the airport experienced a resurgence in 2012 when Air Odisha initiated non-scheduled commercial flights linking Rourkela, Jharsuguda, and Bhubaneswar.
Subsequently, in 2013, a collaborative effort between the State Government and the AAI was sanctioned to develop a second airport.
With an investment of 210 crores, this ambitious project aimed to enhance regional connectivity.
However, scheduled for completion in May 2018, the revamped airport is poised to accommodate up to 300 passengers daily, reaffirming its significance in Odisha’s aviation landscape.
Rourkela Airport
Rourkela Airport, one of the notable airports in Odisha, is presently undergoing preparations to enhance its facilities.
Initially established by the Tata Iron and Steel Company in the 1950s, primarily to facilitate transportation for its officials between Jamshedpur and Rourkela, this private airport later came under the management of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) in 1961.
Today, it is a crucial transit hub for passengers traveling from Rourkela to major airports in Odisha, such as Bhubaneswar and Kolkata.
With its historical significance intertwined with industrial development, Rourkela Airport is a testament to Odisha’s evolving aviation landscape.
Jeypore Airport
Spread over 60 acres, Jeypore Airport boasts a rich history, having been constructed in 1962.
Currently, no scheduled services are operating from this airport. However, efforts are underway to identify additional land adjacent to the airstrip for potential expansion.
This expansion could pave the way for increased air traffic and enhanced regional connectivity.
Savitri Jindal Airport
Owned by Jindal Steel and Power, Savitri Jindal Airport holds the distinction as a public/private airstrip in Odisha. Named after one of India’s wealthiest individuals, this airport is in Angul.
Air Odisha operates commercial scheduled flights from Savitri Jindal Airport to several key destinations, including Bhubaneswar, Jeypore, Jharsuguda, and Rourkela.
This strategic connectivity facilitates business, tourism, and overall regional development.
Berhampur Airport
Berhampur Airport, alternatively known as Rangeilunda Airstrip, dates back to World War II, when the British constructed it.
Nestled adjacent to Berhampur University, this airport features a 750-meter runway and a serviceable helipad within its sprawling 40-acre expanse.
Despite the absence of scheduled commercial air services, its utility extends to serving defense establishments, the State Government, private entities, and VIPs seeking access to Berhampur and surrounding regions of southern Odisha.
Excitingly, plans for the state’s second flying training institute are underway, marking a significant stride in the airport’s evolution.
Utkela Airstrip
The Utkela Airstrip in the picturesque Kalahandi district of Odisha is set to emerge as a vital hub for air travel in the region.
The State Government owns this strategic location, which will see increased activity as it prepares to start operations in September.
Serving as a crucial link between various destinations, Utkela Airstrip will offer daily flights to key cities such as Bhubaneswar and Raipur, courtesy of the renowned private air service provider, Air Odisha.
Charbatia Air Base, Cuttack
Amidst the vibrant landscape of Odisha lies the renowned Charbatia Air Base in Cuttack.
Initially established as an aerial reconnaissance post for the intelligence agency’s aviation unit, the Aviation Research Centre (ARC), this base has played a pivotal role in national security endeavors.
Over the years, the base has witnessed significant developments, with plans announced by the Government of India in 2011 to elevate it to a full-fledged Indian Air Force station.
However, subsequent changes in strategy led to relocating these plans to Panagarh in West Bengal.
Charbatia Air Base gained international attention when a US reconnaissance plane, U-2, undertook a mission from its runways and explore the Chilika Lake.
Sri Jagannath International Airport, Puri
In January 2021, CM Naveen Patnaik announced plans to develop an international gateway in Puri, the Sri Jagannath International Airport.
Spanning approximately 1164 acres, including private and forest lands, this initiative aims to bolster connectivity and tourism in the region.
Additionally, the Odisha government intends to establish greenfield airstrips in strategic locations like Dhamara, Rayagada, Paradip, Angul, and Kalinganagar.
These initiatives mark a significant leap in intra-state and inter-state air travel accessibility, promising enhanced economic prospects and tourist influx.
Such infrastructural expansions elevate regional connectivity and underscore Odisha’s progressive aviation ambitions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Odisha’s airports exemplify the state’s commitment to modern connectivity and infrastructure development.
From the bustling Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar to historic airstrips like Hirakud and Berhampur, each aviation hub facilitates regional connectivity and fosters economic growth.
Moreover, With initiatives such as the upcoming airports in Odisha, Sri Jagannath International Airport in Puri, and proposed greenfield airstrips across strategic locations, Odisha’s aviation sector aims for significant expansion.
These developments enhance intra-state and inter-state travel and bolster tourism and commerce, underscoring Odisha’s progressive vision for its aviation landscape.
As the state continues to invest in its airports, it paves the way for a future where seamless connectivity and accessibility define the Odisha travel experience.
FAQ
Q: Which is the second airport in Odisha?
A: Odisha’s second airport is located in Jharsuguda, around 8.5 km from Jharsuguda Junction Railway Station and approximately 63 kilometers from Sambalpur city. Named after the revolutionary Veer Surendra Sai, it is the second commercial airport in the state.
Q: Which airport is the biggest in Odisha?
A: Odisha’s biggest airport is Bhubaneswar Airport, also known as Biju Patnaik Airport. The airport bears the name of Biju Patnaik, the former Chief Minister of Odisha, renowned for his roles as a famous aviator and freedom fighter.
Q: What is the name of Puri Airport?
A: The state’s Chief Minister suggested naming the proposed airport in Puri as Shree Jagannath International Airport, which will officially adopt this name. With an expected investment of over Rs. 5631 Crores, this ambitious project is anticipated to be operational airports in Odisha by 2024.
Q: Which is the new airport in Odisha?
A: The upcoming Puri International Airport is a proposed international airport in Odisha, primarily serving the Puri region. They plan to build it in public-private partnership (PPP) mode near Sipasarubali and Sandhapur areas under Brahmagiri tehsil in Puri district.
