Utkela airport gets DGCA go-ahead: boosts Odisha’s connectivity and commerce
Utkela airport gets DGCA nod for flight operations under UDAN scheme
In a breakthrough for connectivity in Odisha’s Kalahandi district, the Director General Civil Aviation (DGCA) granted Utkela airport the official licence necessary to commence flight operations. Utkela airport, a mere 15 kilometres from Bhawanipatna, the district headquarters, is part of the airstrips featuring under the regional connectivity scheme, UDAN.
With the authorisation from the Civil Aviation authority, commercial plane services between Utkela and the capitals of Odisha and Chhattisgarh, Bhubaneswar, and Raipur respectively, have been given the green signal. The initiation of the UDAN service in Utkela, following Rourkela and Jeypore, will be set in motion promptly, validated an official. As a starting point, GSEC Monarch has acquired the licence to operate commercial flights with nine-seat capacity.
Reacting to the favourable decision from the DGCA, Naveen Patnaik, the Chief Minister, expressed his satisfaction and optimism. Patnaik said, “Delighted to report that Utkela airport in Kalahandi district is now DGCA licensed for initiating flight operation. The flight services to Bhubaneswar will be rolled out soon. This will certainly accelerate connectivity, commerce and tourism, thereby answering the long-held ambitions of the local populace.”
Patnaik further elaborated his comments through a social media post on X, the platform formerly recognised as Twitter.
Glad to share that #UtkelaAirport in #Kalahandi district has received DGCA license to start flight operations. Soon flight operations will commence to #Bhubaneswar. It will boost connectivity, commerce & tourism, fulfilling aspirations of people of the region. pic.twitter.com/cWpGpcxXzt
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) August 7, 2023
