Over 20 international carriers have expressed interest to start operations to and from the Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) here, according to sources.
BPIA Director Sharad Kumar recently attended the World Road Conference held in Durban, South Africa, where he held discussions on feasibility and commercial aspects with the international airlines. Besides, he apprised the officials of the amenities and infrastructure available at the BPIA. Over 20 worldwide carriers were keen to start operations to and from here.
Odisha’s lone airport presently has only one scheduled airlines service offered by the Indian Airlines connecting to and from New Delhi from where passengers board connecting flights to international destinations.
Fly Emirates, Bangkok Airways, Hong Kong Airlines, Kenya Airways and Mega Maldives Airlines are among the 20-odd airlines that are keen to add Bhubaneswar to their lists of destinations.
“We are confident that we are going to see many world-class airlines in the next one year here,” Kumar said.