Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, announced plans to expand Bhubaneswar Airport’s annual passenger capacity to 8 million within the next month during a review meeting on the airport’s development and expansion. The minister highlighted the government's ongoing efforts to position Bhubaneswar as a key player in the civil aviation sector.

Naidu expressed satisfaction with the current progress, stating, "Bhubaneswar Airport is now connected to 20 domestic and 4 international cities. We are actively working to further enhance connectivity and overall capacity."

Currently, the T1 terminal at Bhubaneswar Airport handles 4 million passengers per year. Following a security reorganisation, the capacity is expected to double to 8 million annually. Naidu also revealed plans to construct a new terminal and install CAT II lighting within the next month. A T3 terminal is also in the pipeline, expected to be completed in the next two years, significantly boosting the airport’s capacity and infrastructure.

The minister also participated in the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign by planting a tree at the airport premises. (ET)