The Odisha government has set an ambitious target to develop at least 15 fully operational airports by 2047, aligning the plan with India&rsquo;s centenary year of Independence. The roadmap to achieve this goal was reviewed during the fourth meeting of the High-Power Committee on Aviation, chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja.
The meeting focused on strengthening Odisha&rsquo;s aviation ecosystem in line with the state&rsquo;s long-term development vision for 2036&ndash;47. Discussions centred on accelerating infrastructure growth, boosting connectivity, and creating an investor-friendly policy environment. Odisha will complete 100 years as a state in 2036.
At present, the state has 19 airports and airstrips, including 12 owned by the government. However, only five civilian airports are currently operational at Bhubaneswar, Jharsuguda, Jeypore, Utkela, and Rourkela.
Bhubaneswar remains the only international airport in Odisha, offering connectivity to Dubai, Singapore, and Bangkok. To enhance global access, the state government is taking steps to build a new greenfield international airport at Puri, along with dedicated zones for aviation, logistics, and allied services. Progress on the development of existing airports and airstrips, including the Puri project, was reviewed in detail.
The government also aims to generate annual revenue of Rs 5,000 crore from aviation-related services by 2047. To support skill development, the committee emphasised the need for a dedicated policy to promote Flight Training Organisations in the state. The aviation training centre at Dhenkanal was reviewed with a plan to develop it into a major hub for pilot training and capacity building.
Plans are also underway to introduce a comprehensive state aviation policy to streamline regulatory procedures, attract private investment, and ensure uniform sectoral growth. In addition, the proposal to recognise aviation manufacturing and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facilities as a thrust sector under the Industrial Policy Resolution was discussed to strengthen the aviation value chain.
The chief secretary stressed the importance of inter-departmental coordination, timely execution of projects, and proactive planning to establish Odisha as a major aviation hub in eastern India and unlock new opportunities for tourism, trade, and investment.
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Passengers waiting at airport departure terminal

State targets ₹5000 crore aviation revenue, new Puri airport planned

Odisha Plans 15 Operational Airports by 2047

State targets ₹5000 crore aviation revenue, new Puri airport planned

December 7, 2025 | 16:56 IST