Bhubaneswar: Even 17 months after getting the tag of an international airport, commercial operations are yet to begin at the Biju Patnaik International Airport here.
Despite several requests from the Odisha government, the union civil aviation ministry is yet to give its final nod to low cost international carriers to commence flights to and from the lone full-fledged airport in Odisha. The central government granted Bhubaneswar and Imphal airports international status on October 30, 2013, with a view to boosting economic development in both the states.
“We are repeatedly urging the ministry to commence international operations from Bhubaneswar. But the centre is paying no heed to our demands,” Tourism Minister Ashok Panda told IANS.
“Several flight operators have evinced interest. But we can’t do anything unless the centre gives the green signal,” Panda said.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has raised the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the chief secretary of the state has written many times to the civil aviation ministry, the minister said.
01/04/15 Chinmaya Dehury/Vancouver Desi
To Read the News in full at Source, Click the Headline
Despite several requests from the Odisha government, the union civil aviation ministry is yet to give its final nod to low cost international carriers to commence flights to and from the lone full-fledged airport in Odisha. The central government granted Bhubaneswar and Imphal airports international status on October 30, 2013, with a view to boosting economic development in both the states.
“We are repeatedly urging the ministry to commence international operations from Bhubaneswar. But the centre is paying no heed to our demands,” Tourism Minister Ashok Panda told IANS.
“Several flight operators have evinced interest. But we can’t do anything unless the centre gives the green signal,” Panda said.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has raised the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the chief secretary of the state has written many times to the civil aviation ministry, the minister said.
01/04/15 Chinmaya Dehury/Vancouver Desi
