The Odisha government has approved 10 new flight routes in a move to expand regional air connectivity and boost tourism. A high-level committee chaired by chief secretary Anu Garg endorsed the plan to link Bhubaneswar and Jharsuguda with several key cities, noting that the routes are likely to be operated by Star Air using smaller aircraft. The decision is intended to strengthen links between the state capital and emerging regional centres. Officials described the approvals as part of a broader effort to decentralise air services. Proposed services would connect Bhubaneswar and Jharsuguda with Ahmedabad, Pune, Jaipur, Bhopal, Shirdi, Tirupati, Surat, Puri, Kolkata and Ujjain. The committee also examined upgrades to airstrips at Satibhata, Jamadarpalli, Raisuan, Amarda Road and Gotma to support scheduled operations. Development plans include expansion works at regional airports and measures to improve ground infrastructure. Attention was drawn to enhancing facilities at the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar to handle increased regional traffic. The state cabinet had earlier approved a Rs 41.82 billion (Rs 4,182 crore) Building and Management of Aviation Assets and Network scheme for 2025-30, referred to as B-MAAN, to develop aviation infrastructure. Officials said over Rs five billion (Rs 500 crore) has been earmarked specifically for the airstrip projects under the scheme. Heliports are proposed in districts that currently lack air connectivity, including Nabarangpur and Phulbani, as well as at Taratarini. Plans also cover upgrades to existing regional airports such as Jeypore and Tusura. The committee decided to pursue discussions with the government to expedite the Shree Jagannath International Airport in Puri and directed that land transfer for expansion at Jharsuguda and Rourkela be completed by May 2026. A review of the Odisha Civil Aviation Policy 2022 was ordered with a view to preparing a second version for cabinet approval. Officials were asked to prepare a proposal to reduce VAT on aviation fuel to promote services and to develop the Biju Patnaik Aviation Centre at Birasal in Dhenkanal district. The meeting also called for steps to operationalise Malkangiri airport and accelerate connectivity initiatives.