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Odisha Aviation sees enhanced air connectivity through the set up of Greenfield Airport at Paradip Odisha, which is a part of the Building & Management of Aviation Assets and Network (B-MAAN) scheme. In a move to position itself as a leader in India’s aviation sector, Odisha is witnessing developments that promise to boost tourism, trade, and economic growth. The Greenfield Airport at Paradip Odisha, coupled with ambitious plans to enhance transportation across the state, marks a pivotal moment in Odisha’s aviation journey.
Rs. 382 Crore Investment for Greenfield Airport at Paradip Odisha
A staggering allocation of Rs.382 crore has been dedicated to strengthening Odisha Aviation Development in the state’s recent budget proposals for 2025-2026, with a significant focus on the proposed Greenfield Airport at Paradip Odisha. This substantial investment underscores Odisha’s commitment to becoming a key aviation hub in eastern India. The state currently boasts seven Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) routes under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) initiative, a national program aimed at making air travel affordable and accessible.
The cornerstone of this aviation push is the Greenfield Airport at Paradip Odisha, a major port city on Odisha’s coastline. This new airport is expected to establish direct flight services to 10 new domestic destinations and 3 international destinations, significantly expanding Odisha’s aviation network. According to the Directorate of Civil Aviation, Odisha, this move will not only improve regional connectivity.
Direct Flight Connectivity for Greenfield Airport at Paradip Odisha
The proposed direct flight services will connect Paradip and other key locations to major cities across India and beyond, including international hubs. This aligns with the state’s Odisha Aviation Policy-2024, which emphasizes the development of civil aviation infrastructure over the next five years. The policy also focuses on creating a skilled aviation workforce, establishing maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities, and improving regional air links through viability gap funding (VGF) for airline operators like IndiGo, Alliance Air, and IndiaOne Air.
Currently, Odisha is home to five domestic airports and one international airport—Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, which ranks as India’s 17th busiest airport. This airport already connects the state to 21 domestic destinations and international locations such as Thailand, the UAE, and Malaysia. With the addition of new routes and the Paradip greenfield airport, Odisha aims to cater to the growing demand for air travel, driven by tourism and business activities.
What are the Highlights of Odisha Aviation Development Progress
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Rs. 382 crore: Budget allocation for Odisha Aviation Development in 2025-2026.
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10 new domestic destinations: Planned direct flight connectivity from Paradip.
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3 new international destinations: Expanding Odisha’s global reach.
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7 RCS routes: Currently operational under the UDAN scheme.
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21 domestic destinations: Served by Biju Patnaik International Airport.
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Over 10 million tourists: Domestic visitors in 2023, with potential for growth through better connectivity.
How Paradip Greenfield Airport Prove to be A Game-Changer for Odisha Aviation Development
The proposed greenfield airport at Paradip is a game-changer for Odisha’s aviation landscape. Located strategically near one of India’s busiest ports, the airport will facilitate seamless connectivity for trade, tourism, and industrial activities. The High Power Committee (HPC) on aviation, chaired by the Chief Secretary, has emphasized Paradip’s potential to drive economic growth and enhance Odisha’s position as an aviation hub. This aligns with the vision of “Viksit Odisha,” aiming for world-class infrastructure.
With plans to extend financial support through VGF, the state is encouraging airline operators to expand their services, ensuring affordable and efficient air travel. The development of Paradip airport, alongside ongoing projects like the Puri airport (pending clearances), reflects Odisha’s dedication to modernizing its aviation sector and supporting its growing population of over 46 million, as per the 2011 Census (projected to exceed 48 million by 2025).
