Bhubaneswar: In a bold step towards transforming its aviation landscape, the Odisha government has announced a long-term plan to establish 15 fully operational airports across the state by 2047, coinciding with India’s centenary of independence. The announcement was made following the 4th Meeting of the High Power Committee on Aviation, chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja on Saturday, where officials outlined the roadmap for achieving this ambitious target.

The committee convened to review the current state of Odisha’s aviation ecosystem and identify opportunities to accelerate infrastructure development, improve connectivity, and foster a favorable policy environment in alignment with the Vision of Vikshit Odisha 2036–47. This vision aims to position Odisha as a major economic and aviation hub in eastern India over the next two decades. The state itself will complete 100 years of formation in 2036, making the 2047 target a symbolic milestone for both the state and the nation.

At present, Odisha has 19 airports or airstrips, including 12 state-owned facilities, but only five airports are currently operational for civilian flights: Bhubaneswar, Jharsuguda, Jeypore, Utkela, and Rourkela. Among these, Bhubaneswar International Airport is the state’s sole international gateway, connecting Odisha to destinations such as Dubai, Singapore, and Bangkok. The state government is also actively working on the development of a greenfield international airport at Puri, which will include special zones for aviation, logistics, and ancillary industries, further enhancing regional connectivity.

Officials at the committee meeting reviewed the progress on existing airports, airstrips, and proposed projects, highlighting steps needed to accelerate operationalisation and ensure these facilities meet international standards. The proposed Puri airport is envisioned as a state-of-the-art aviation hub, facilitating tourism, trade, and cargo operations, and acting as a catalyst for economic development in southern Odisha.

In addition to infrastructure expansion, the government has set ambitious revenue targets, expecting aviation-related services to generate an estimated ₹5,000 crore annually by 2047. This includes revenue from passenger traffic, cargo operations, aircraft maintenance, training services, and other allied activities.

A key focus of the meeting was the development of human capital in the aviation sector. The committee stressed the importance of a dedicated policy to promote Flight Training Organisations (FTOs) in Odisha, aimed at nurturing a skilled workforce for pilots, technicians, and other aviation professionals. The aviation centre at Dhenkanal was discussed as a potential hub for flight training and capacity building, with plans to strengthen its role in developing talent for both domestic and international aviation markets.

The government is also preparing a comprehensive state aviation policy to streamline regulatory processes, attract private investment, and ensure uniform growth across the sector. This policy is expected to provide a clear framework for infrastructure development, encourage public-private partnerships, and facilitate the creation of modern airports, heliports, MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facilities, and other aviation-related services.

Recognizing the strategic potential of aviation manufacturing and MRO facilities, the committee recommended including these as thrust sectors under Odisha’s Industrial Policy Resolution. This move aims to strengthen the state’s aviation value chain, attract new industries, and generate employment opportunities in high-skilled technical domains. Officials emphasized that a holistic approach, combining infrastructure, training, and industrial promotion, would position Odisha as a leading aviation hub in eastern India.

The chief secretary highlighted the importance of inter-departmental coordination, timely execution of projects, and proactive planning to achieve the state’s aviation goals. By developing a network of airports across urban and remote areas, the government hopes to enhance tourism, improve trade logistics, and integrate Odisha more closely into national and international aviation networks.

The proposed network of 15 airports will not only serve major cities but also smaller towns and regions with potential for economic growth. The expansion will improve connectivity for business travelers, tourists, and cargo operators while stimulating local economies. Officials noted that the airports would support regional development plans by enabling easier access to remote areas and promoting industries such as tourism, hospitality, logistics, and aviation manufacturing.

The initiative also aligns with broader national priorities of enhancing regional air connectivity, reducing travel time, and promoting sustainable infrastructure development. The government aims to leverage modern technologies, environmentally sustainable practices, and advanced airport design standards to ensure that these facilities are future-ready and globally competitive.

By combining infrastructure expansion, skill development, policy support, and industrial promotion, Odisha aims to emerge as a model state in aviation development. The government’s vision sees airports not merely as transport hubs but as drivers of economic transformation, connecting communities, facilitating trade, and creating employment opportunities.

With the roadmap laid out by the High Power Committee on Aviation, Odisha is now strategically positioned to unlock new horizons in aviation, tourism, and commerce, setting the stage for a century-long growth trajectory leading up to India’s 100th year of independence. The establishment of 15 operational airports by 2047 reflects the state’s commitment to integrating modern infrastructure with economic and social development, ensuring that Odisha remains a key player in India’s aviation future.