Bhubaneswar: Odisha is rapidly emerging as a dynamic player in India’s civil aviation sector, thanks to the state government’s ambitious New Destination Policy, which is reshaping regional connectivity and boosting global reach. The policy, spearheaded by the Commerce & Transport Department, is delivering transformative results through strategic incentives, infrastructure support, and route facilitation.
In a major leap forward, the state has completed all formalities to set up Odisha’s first Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Bhubaneswar. This milestone is expected to anchor a full-fledged aviation-linked economic ecosystem, enabling job creation and industrial growth.
Since its rollout, the policy has catalysed the launch of 13 new domestic and international flights, significantly enhancing Odisha’s aviation footprint. Among the most notable achievements is the initiation of direct international flights from Bhubaneswar to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, connecting Odisha more effectively to global markets and its diaspora.
On the domestic front, new air routes such as Jharsuguda–Mumbai, Jharsuguda–Hyderabad, Bhubaneswar–Goa, Bhubaneswar–Dehradun, and Bhubaneswar–Port Blair have improved access to tribal belts, industrial clusters, and key tourist destinations. This expansion has been bolstered by the operationalisation of regional airstrips at Jeypore, Rourkela, Utkela, and Rangeilunda under the UDAN scheme, promoting inclusive regional development.
A major step in aviation planning came with the launch of the Interactive Colour Coded Zoning Map (CCZM) for the proposed Puri Airport, integrated with the NOCAS 2.0 platform. This digital tool streamlines height clearance approvals, aligning aviation safety with urban infrastructure growth and environmental regulations.
What sets Odisha’s approach apart is its focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and network viability. The New Destination Policy ensures sustained operations on unserved and underserved routes, thereby enhancing accessibility to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities in remote and aspirational districts.
Looking ahead, the state is also drafting a dedicated Drone Policy and expediting land allotment for future airport projects, signalling its commitment to building a resilient, technology-driven aviation ecosystem.
Odisha’s aviation reforms are not just opening skies—they are laying the foundation for equitable development, international collaboration, and futuristic transport infrastructure.
