Odisha has positioned itself at the centre of Eastern India’s aviation ambitions, hosting a high-level civil aviation conference that placed connectivity, infrastructure, and future-ready services firmly on the national growth agenda. The two-day discussions underscored the importance of building sustainable airport and heliport infrastructure, while also focusing on skill development, drone innovation, and emergency air services.
The deliberations brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Airports Authority of India, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security and the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority. They engaged in parallel sessions exploring regulatory reforms, policy support, and investor participation required to expand India’s civil aviation sector at a pace matching the nation’s growing appetite for air travel.
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State representatives from Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands made strong pitches for increased funding and public-private partnerships. Their interventions stressed that smaller airports and regional connectivity schemes such as UDAN must be scaled up if Eastern India is to be integrated effectively into the country’s aviation map. This was echoed by officials who highlighted how tier-2 and tier-3 cities hold the key to expanding India’s passenger base while decongesting metropolitan hubs.
The conference also featured extensive discussions on the development of a domestic drone ecosystem and the introduction of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), both seen as essential in improving healthcare access and logistics in remote and disaster-prone regions. Industry experts noted that drones and emergency air services, if integrated responsibly, can provide faster, eco-friendly, and equitable services while aligning with India’s carbon reduction commitments.With air traffic demand expected to rise exponentially in the coming decade, experts highlighted the urgent need for investment in modernising existing airports and constructing new facilities in underserved regions. The focus remained on sustainable aviation infrastructure that is resilient, energy efficient, and inclusive. The meet also placed emphasis on building a gender-neutral workforce by encouraging participation of women and underrepresented groups in aviation and allied industries.
Hosting the event reaffirmed Odisha’s emergence as a strategic aviation hub in Eastern India. Officials underscored the state’s intent to position itself as a partner in the national civil aviation growth story, offering land, policy support, and a conducive environment for investors. Analysts believe such forums not only accelerate infrastructure planning but also send a strong signal that India’s aviation ambitions are no longer confined to metro cities.As discussions concluded, the message was clear: strengthening regional connectivity is vital for balanced growth, equitable access, and a sustainable aviation future. Odisha’s leadership in convening this dialogue has highlighted its growing role in shaping the civil aviation narrative of Eastern India.
