Malkangiri Set to Take Off: Commercial Flights to Begin Soon

Malkangiri: Air connectivity is set to become a reality for Malkangiri, with preparations for the commencement of commercial flight operations from the district’s airport nearing completion. The new service is expected to improve access to the remote district and strengthen its links with other parts of the state.

The flight service will be formally launched by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. A virtual meeting chaired by the Principal Secretary of the Commerce and Transport Department was held to review the arrangements and coordinate the final preparations.

The district administration has been overseeing the arrangements under the supervision of District Magistrate Pratesh Arvind Rajeshirke. Senior officials have been conducting ground-level reviews to ensure that passenger facilities and other operational requirements are in place ahead of the launch.

Flight operations will initially begin as non-scheduled commercial air services under the RCS-UDAN scheme, aimed at improving regional connectivity.

IndiaOne Air will operate 9-seater aircraft on the route. To assist passengers, the district administration is setting up a dedicated facility at the Collectorate for ticket bookings and passenger support.

Additional District Magistrate (Revenue) Bedabara Pradhan, Deputy Collector Swayam Siddharth Rout and other senior officials have reviewed the arrangements and coordination required for the smooth commencement of the service.

The administration expects the new connectivity to make travel to and from Malkangiri easier and more convenient, particularly for residents who currently depend largely on road transport.

The air service is also expected to create new opportunities for tourism, business and local economic activity in the tribal-dominated district. Improved accessibility could further help connect Malkangiri’s natural and cultural attractions with visitors from across Odisha and other parts of the country.

With the final preparations underway, officials are working to ensure that the launch and subsequent flight operations are conducted in a smooth and organised manner.