AAI seeks Odisha govt push to start global flights from city

With international flight operations yet to take off from the Biju Patnaik airport even after getting the international tag, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has urged the Odisha government to take steps to expedite the process.

S Bhaduri, regional executive director, eastern regional headquarters of AAI today met chief secretary Jugal Kishore Mohapatra. The talks centred on starting the international operations from the city and development of airport at Jharsguguda.

Sources said getting international flight schedule from the Centre and expediting the process of signing pact with AAI for Jharsuguda airport dominated the agenda of talks. The state government was urged to move the Centre for getting the flight schedule to help start the international operations.

Flydubai is understood to have submitted its flight schedule to the Centre.

Biju Patnaik Airport belonging to AAI is suitable for operation of Code 'D' aircraft of type B-767-400.