In a significant boost to Odisha’s aviation infrastructure, Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu announced multiple developments during the Eastern Region Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation held in Bhubaneswar.

At the forefront is the plan to construct a third terminal at Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar, to accommodate increasing passenger volumes. Simultaneously, the long-awaited greenfield airport in Puri, named Jagannath Airport, will soon become operational. All required clearances for the project have been secured.

The Minister confirmed that Terminal 3 is currently in the planning stage. “We hope to begin ground work soon and create an architecturally rich terminal that reflects Odisha’s art, culture, and heritage,” he said.

In addition, 20 non-functional airstrips across the state are set to be revived, significantly improving regional air connectivity. The Odisha government has also submitted proposals to launch heli-taxi services for remote and hilly areas and to introduce seaplane operations in Chilika Lake, one of India’s largest brackish water lagoons.

The Minister expressed optimism that these developments would strengthen tourism, especially in coastal and heritage destinations. “Chilika will soon welcome seaplanes, and heli-taxis will help link inaccessible regions,” he said.

He also reiterated that under the national ‘Viksit Bharat’ roadmap, India aims to establish 350 new airports by 2047, with Odisha playing a key role in this expansion.