The commercial flight operations under the ‘UDAAN’ scheme commenced from Rourkela on Friday. The first flight, an ATR-72 aircraft of Alliance Airways, arrived at Rourkela from Bhubaneswar at about 12.00 noon.

Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel, Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Education and Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, V.K. Singh, Minister of State, Minister of Civil Aviation flagged off the flight in virtual mode.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik flagged off the flight at the Biju Patnaik International Stadium in the presence of dignitaries.

It may be noted here that the Udaan Scheme conceived by the Centre is a regional airport development programme and part of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) of upgrading under-serviced air routes. Its goal is to make air travel affordable and improve economic development in India. The Rourkela Airport was taken up under the Udaan scheme, keeping in view the long cherished need and dream of the people living in and around Rourkela.

The Civil Aviation ministry spent around Rs.60 crores towards development of the entire Airport including expansion and strengthening of the runway and addition of several other facilities. Steel Authority of India Limited provided additional 143 acres of land for the expansion and upgradation of the airport.

An agreement was signed between Steel Authority of India Limited, Rourkela Steel Plant and Airport Authority of India (AAI) on 28 October 2022, thereby paving the way for commencement of commercial operation of the airport.

Keeping in view the urgent requirement of the airport because of the World Cup Hockey matches to be played in Rourkela, the jobs were completed at a very fast pace. Rourkela Steel Plant is owning the Airport and bearing the entire expenditure of the airport that will be more than Rs. 3 crores per annum.

Airport Authority of India (AAI) on behalf of SAIL, RSP will operate and manage the airport, while the State Govt will provide the Security, Fire Services and Ambulance services.

The operationalisation of the Rourkela Airport will not only enhance the connectivity of the city many fold but will also boost the health, academic, tourism and commercial sectors.