The Odisha government has announced a series of new initiatives to boost the state’s aviation sector, including a Cadet Pilot Training Program for tribal girls under its flagship initiative B-MAAN (Building and Management of Aviation Assets and Network).
At the Eastern Civil Aviation Ministers’ Conference in Bhubaneswar, the government signed an agreement with Air Works, a leading aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) company, to set up a modern MRO facility at Biju Patnaik International Airport. Officials said this partnership would strengthen Odisha’s aviation infrastructure and create opportunities for skill development, training, and jobs.
The state also announced that a world-class international airport in Puri is under development, designed to serve as a spiritual and cultural gateway for millions of Jagannath devotees worldwide. Land has also been allocated for the expansion of Jharsuguda Airport.
In the last 14 months, Odisha’s airports have been connected to 15 new destinations. A world-class aviation training centre is also planned at Birasal in Dhenkanal district to expand skill development.
The state will introduce a Progressive Land Allotment Policy to enable airports to host flying training, UAV training, and aero-sports activities. Several unused airstrips will be upgraded into functional airports, with plans to develop 14 airports and 15 heliports across districts without airports.
Officials emphasized the transformative role of the UDAN scheme, which has improved regional connectivity and opened new opportunities for Eastern India. The government reiterated its commitment to strengthening aviation infrastructure, improving accessibility, and ensuring that air travel is within reach for all.
