Bhubaneswar: Biju Patnaik International Airport Registers Record 2264 Non-Scheduled Flights

Biju Patnaik International Airport has witnessed an impressive 50 percent surge in non-scheduled flights, handling a staggering 2,264 landings by the end of November.

Airport sources reveal that a significant portion of these flights revolves around political movements, setting the stage for a projected total of nearly 4,000 flights by the year’s end, up from 2,879 in the preceding year.

With crucial elections looming just four months away, the anticipated surge in non-scheduled movements is expected to be a key highlight, raising the bar on political aviation. The revenue generated from non-scheduled operations has seen a notable uptick, reaching Rs 24 lakh by November, with projections hinting at a potential Rs 40 lakh by year-end. This marks a substantial increase compared to the Rs 18 lakh recorded in the previous year.

Airport Director Prasanna Pradhan, optimistic about the financial prospects, highlighted the role of non-scheduled flights in stimulating the local economy. “While non-scheduled operations keep the airport busy and help it earn revenue, it is an indirect boost to the local economy,” Pradhan emphasized.

Notably, beyond political figures, the airport caters to business tycoons and industrialists, constituting 40 percent of non-scheduled operations. The remaining 10 percent comprises official movements for various purposes.

Reflecting on the winter of 2021, Pradhan highlighted the airport’s cautious approach by temporarily disallowing non-scheduled international flights from 12 countries identified as potential risk zones by the Centre. This precautionary measure aimed to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 spread.

Despite occasional restrictions, Bhubaneswar’s airport has become a hub for a variety of aircraft, ranging from eight and nine-seaters to occasionally hosting 35 and 72-seater planes.

Pradhan emphasized, “While non-scheduled operations keep the airport busy and contribute significantly to revenue, they also serve as an indirect boost to the local economy.” The airport continues to play a pivotal role in facilitating diverse air traffic and economic growth in the region.