Support for a 2nd airport in the BBSR-Cuttack-Puri-Khordha region

I have been going through few posts on this subreddit and on other social media platforms and it seems like there is a very vocal opposition towards building another airport in this region when Bhubaneswar is already there. No points for guessing which political party most of these folks support. However, I am creating this post to clarify some stuff related to the importance of a modern airport for bringing in investments. Most of the airports in India were built 50-60 years ago when air traffic was in a nascent stage. They were built by Govt. agencies like AAI and were designed to cater to a small section of population. That's why most of our AAI maintained airports look like Box structures at one end of the terminal. Older airport plans are so outdated that when private airport operators like GMR, Adani took over the operations, they completely changed the passenger side plans to ensure larger circulating space, smoother operations and more potential for commercial activity (like shops inside the airport) An airport operation has two components - **airside and passenger side**. Airside refers to ops of landing and takeoff of airplanes while passenger side refers to the managing of passenger traffic i-e checkins, waiting, security areas etc. Bhubaneswar airport right now is **choking** on both fronts. Anyone who has travelled through BBI in last 12 months would attest to this fact. On passenger side, there's hardly any space for proper sitting after the security checks. Its always crowded and some people have to keep standing while waiting for the boarding to start. It makes you feel as if you are in a bus stand. On airside, BBI is running at max capacity right now. Even during off seasons, the fares are generally higher for BBI to other cities simply because airlines can't introduce more flights due to unavailability of slots. A cursory glance at various ticket booking sites would validate this fact. Capacity of BBI - 4 million Passengers handled by BBI last year - 4.6 million https://preview.redd.it/2gcdzk7g93ce1.png?width=652&format=png&auto=webp&s=1d7624cefa9ddc61ca489e2c0d866dd2591333bd [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biju\_Patnaik\_Airport](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biju_Patnaik_Airport) In light of this, there's an urgent need for another airport in this region as BBI doesn't have any space for expansion. Therefore, I support a 2nd airport in this region to cater to the increasing traffic. Among all options, I prefer Puri as it has the requisite space and a national level recognition as a tourist destination. **I am ok with the Charbatia(Cuttack) option as well.** However, do note that planning for Puri airport has already been done. If we again go back and choose another site like Charbatia, it would entail another 2-3 years of delay for stuff like DPR preparation, environment clearance etc. Another reason why Odisha needs a modern airport is because airports act as gateways to the region. That's why major airports are preparing plans for major aerocities near them. Delhi, Bangalore already have major aerocities near their airports. Tier 2 cities like Vizag and Raipur are also planning the same. Even the cities that aren't planning for 2nd airport like Guwahati or Lucknow have at least gone for major expansions within the existing airport. Unfortunately, that isn't possible for BBI as there's simply no space left around that area. Please note that all of this is without prejudice to my support for infra development in any other part of the state as well. Like I firmly believe that Jharsuguda airport should also get more flights and another bigger terminal. I also support dedicated freight corridors, 2nd AIIMS in Sambalpur and development of Gopalpur SEZ as an industrial hub . But I find it just sad how people from the same state are so vocal about the another part not getting an infra upgrade. Requesting all Odias to support infra development irrespective of the region where it is happening. Its for the benefit of the whole state. We should be looking out for each other instead of fighting with each other. [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/bhogapuram-airport-will-be-opened-six-months-before-scheduled-construction/articleshow/113497053.cms](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/bhogapuram-airport-will-be-opened-six-months-before-scheduled-construction/articleshow/113497053.cms) [https://travelbizmonitor.com/navi-mumbai-airport-to-start-domestic-operations-in-april/](https://travelbizmonitor.com/navi-mumbai-airport-to-start-domestic-operations-in-april/) [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/news/noida-international-airport-to-open-in-april-2025-ticket-bookings-begin-in-february/articleshow/117094773.cms](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/news/noida-international-airport-to-open-in-april-2025-ticket-bookings-begin-in-february/articleshow/117094773.cms) [https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-plans-to-build-aerocity-attract-international-flights-123092000845\_1.html](https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-plans-to-build-aerocity-attract-international-flights-123092000845_1.html) [https://www.business-standard.com/industry/news/rs-2-000-cr-new-terminal-of-guwahati-airport-to-open-in-apr-2025-official-124062700467\_1.html](https://www.business-standard.com/industry/news/rs-2-000-cr-new-terminal-of-guwahati-airport-to-open-in-apr-2025-official-124062700467_1.html)