AAI clears air on flight services from Rourkela

Rourkela: Bringing an end to uncertainty over the much anticipated launch of commercial air services from Rourkela, the Airport Authority of India has given nod to the commencement of flight services after state government’s consent to provide necessary CISF and Fire Services facilities.

Air connectivity to the steel city under the central government’s ambitious 'Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik' (UDAN) scheme was scheduled to begin this September but due to lack of CISF and Fire Services facilities the AAI had dropped Rourkela from the list of selected cities included in the first phase of the regional air connectivity scheme.

After the intervention of the state government, the Rourkela Steel Plant authorities have agreed to provide necessary CISF personnel required for operationalising security services at the airport. Similarly the state government has also given approval to deploy required Fire Service facilities at the aerodrome.

Following the approval of the state government, the AAI has given green signal for the flight services which is likely to begin by October end.

Meanwhile, city residents have welcomed the decision by the AAI. “For welcoming big corporate houses and industries to the city we need better air travel facilities. The launch of commercial flight services from the city will increase the revenue of the state and will also help in the development of Rourkela,” said former president of Rourkela Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Subrata Patnaik.

"As residents we feel proud for our steel city as the air connectivity to different parts of the country will lead to expansion of business and commerce," said Rourkela Bar Association president Ramesh Bal.