Biju Patnaik International Airport to start commercial projects to increase revenue

Highlights

• Biju Patnaik International Airport to start a convention center, restaurants, and flight catering services near the airport.
• The airport would direct flights to new destinations including Raipur, Chennai, Guwahati, and Pune.
• AAI expects investment of ₹2500 crore with employment generation for 35000 persons

Bhubaneswar (Odisha): In order to garner more revenue, Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) is planning to explore its non-traffic potential through commercial projects and innovative ideas.

Airports Authority of India (AAI) is planning to start facilities like a convention center, restaurants and flight catering services near the airport.

Progress so far (The Plan)

The airport authority has already identified approximately 60 acres of land at the city airport for commercial projects.

AAI has published an Expression of Interest (EOI) for hospitality and convention project at the airport.

“AAI is exploring possibilities of creating more facilities close to the airport. The facilities will be beneficial for the passengers and airlines,” said BPIA Director R Mahalingam.

The BPIA officials are discussing with potential investors to materialize their plan.

“We are trying to find interested vendors for these facilities and the final proposal would take shape after assessing the demand and requirement,” added Mahalingam.

Meanwhile, the airport officials are holding talks with major airlines for starting operations to more locations across the country. They are also discussing with some international flight operators to direct flight from the state.

“We are expecting direct flights to new destinations like Raipur, Chennai, Guwahati, and Pune. Apart from that, we hope to get direct international flights from BPIA,” said Mahalingam.

Expected outcome

During his recent visit to Odisha, AAI chairman Guruprasad Mohapatra had informed that AAI is expecting an investment of ₹2500 crore with scope for direct and indirect employment generation for 35000 to 50000 persons through the commercial project at the airport.

The chairman also admitted that apart from the airport and air navigation charges, the project will garner additional revenue.

With additional flights and more passengers coming to the city, the airport will generate enormous income.