Additional 23 acres handed over to AAI

BHUBANESWAR: The State Government has already handed over an additional 23 acre to the Airport Authority of India (AAI) for starting international air service from the Biju Patnaik Airport here. The AAI has been asked to expedite the process of taking possession of the land. The Biju Patnaik Airport is, currently, undergoing expansion to be accorded the status of an international airport and construction of the terminal for domestic air service is in full swing, a meeting chaired by Chief Secretary BK Patnaik revealed. Work for the new terminals is targeted to be completed by August.  Besides, measures are being initiated to upgrade the domestic airport with introduction of customs and immigration service so as to develop into a cargo port and subsequently, an international airport. Meanwhile, the Government has also asked the Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation of Odisha (Idco) to hold a meeting of the prospective international flight operators to obtain their willingness for operating flights between Bhubaneswar and different international locations. Earlier, international operators such as Fly Dubai, Air Asia, Deccan Air services had shown interest to conduct feasibility study of introducing international flights to and from Bhubaneswar. In this connection, the Government is also planning a national-level workshop involving the Ministry of Civil Aviation,  the Ministry of Home Affairs, national carrier Air India and other private airliners to showcase the opportunities of international flight operations in the State. The workshop is proposed to be held by May-end.  The Government is also mulling a draft civil aviation plan and road map. It has asked the Idco to chalk out the document and place it before the Government for necessary approval before the workshop so that the international operators can have a look at it too.