The Union Government’s UDAN International programme is likely to benefit Odisha a lot. The State Government has asked for international flights from Bhubaneswar to Colombo, Dubai, Singapore and other countries.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has also requested the State Government to participate in Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagarik (UDAN) (International) programme.
After the terminal complex in the Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) was renovated for international flights, the State Government has requested the Union Government to relax norms of bilateral flights for foreign airlines so that so that direct flights can be operated from BPIA to Dubai.
However, the Union Government, which has floated a draft scheme for enhancing air connectivity between Indian States and international destinations under UDAN programme, has requested States, including Odisha, to participate in the stakeholder consultations meeting to be held on September 1 in New Delhi.
In a recent communiqué, Civil Aviation Joint Secretary Usha Padhee has made this request, said officials.
Under the International UDAN scheme, financial support would be provided to interested airlines for operation of flights. So far, Assam and Andhra Pradesh Government have accepted the scheme.
The State Government would provide funds to airlines through agencies identified by the Union Government.
Once international air connectivity (IAC) routes are finalised by the State Government, those would be put on the website and bidding process would begin.
According to sources, Government of Assam has identified Singapore, Bangkok, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Kuala lumpur and Yangon to be covered under UDAN International. In the meantime, the Odisha Government has also approached the Union Government to provide Visa to visitors on their at the BPIA.
Now, the Air Asia is operating direct flight from Bhubaneswar to Kuala lampur from April 2017 and connecting Bhubaneswar with about 21 destinations abroad.So once e-Visa facility is available at the BPIA, number of tourists would increase, feel international travel organisations.