Odisha is set for a major aviation infrastructure upgrade, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announcing plans to develop 14 new airports and 15 heliports across the state. A progressive land allotment policy for aviation will also be introduced to promote flying training, UAV operations, and aero sports.

The announcement was made during the Eastern Region Civil Aviation Ministers’ Conference held in Bhubaneswar, attended by representatives from Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha, along with Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu.

CM Majhi confirmed that 14 unused airstrips would be upgraded into fully operational airports, while heliports will be developed in districts currently lacking air connectivity. These new aviation hubs will serve passenger flights, host training academies, and support aero sports, contributing to the growth of Odisha’s aviation ecosystem.

The new state policy aims to position Odisha as a regional hub for pilot training, UAV training, and recreational aviation activities. The Chief Minister emphasised that flying schools will be integrated into these new facilities to strengthen training infrastructure.

As part of the state’s flagship B-MAAN (Building and Management of Aviation Assets and Network) initiative, a cadet pilot training programme will be launched to train tribal girls to become commercial pilots, reflecting the state's focus on inclusive aviation development.

In a major step towards bolstering technical capabilities, the Odisha government has signed an agreement with Air Works, one of India’s leading Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) firms, to establish a modern facility at Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar.

The MRO facility, to be developed on the airport apron, will provide aircraft maintenance services and create opportunities for youth training, skill development, and employment, further integrating Odisha into the national aviation value chain.