Talks with airlines for flight operations from Jharsuguda:

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Wednesday said talks are on with major airlines for flight operations from the Jharsuguda Airport, a day after chief minister Naveen Patnaik requested the prime minister for introduction of new flights from the airport.

Talks are on with major airlines - Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet - for operations from the Jharsuguda Airport, the Petroleum minister, who hails from the state, told reporters here.

Patnaik on Tuesday in a letter to the PM had also drawn his attention to Air Odisha "abruptly suspending" its flight operation from Jharsuguda Airport since October 6.

Air Odisha got the tender for flight operation from Jharsuguda Aiport after the first round of bidding under the regional air connectivity scheme the Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN).

"If necessary, steps will be taken to cancel its flight contract and a fresh tender will be floated for a regular flight from the Jharsuguda," Pradhan said.

The Union minister said the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) is reviewing the contract with Air Odisha and will come up with a decision soon.

He said under UDAN Phase III, fresh tenders will be floated and other carriers are expected to participate in the bidding process.

Meanwhile, Odisha Tourism minister, Ashok Chandra Panda said: "Pradhan should ask the Centre to issue a notification to rename the Jharsuguda airport as Veer Surendra Sai Airport. He should ensure flights from Bhubaneswar to New Delhi via Jharsuguda ...