The long-awaited Puri International Airport project has moved closer to development after the Airports Authority of India (AAI) agreed to develop and invest in the project. The proposed Shree Jagannath International Airport will come up at Sipasarubali in Puri district, Odisha, and aims to improve air connectivity to one of India’s most visited pilgrimage and tourism destinations.

What Is Shree Jagannath International Airport?

Shree Jagannath International Airport is a proposed greenfield international airport in Puri, Odisha. The airport is being planned to provide direct air connectivity to Puri and support the growing number of pilgrims, tourists, and other travelers visiting the region. The proposal for the new airport in Puri was formally initiated by the Odisha government in January 2021. Since then, the project has moved through different stages of land planning, regulatory approvals, and development discussions. The airport is expected to complement Bhubaneswar’s Biju Patnaik International Airport and strengthen aviation infrastructure in Odisha.

AAI to Develop Puri International Airport

The Odisha government initially planned to develop the airport through a public-private partnership model. Private airport operators had also shown interest in the project during an earlier tender process. The development model has now changed, with the Airports Authority of India agreeing to invest in and develop the airport. AAI will prepare a revised detailed project report (DPR) after the remaining statutory formalities are completed. The Odisha government and AAI are also discussing a revenue-sharing arrangement for the project.

The airport was earlier estimated to cost around ₹5,631 crore. However, the final investment requirement will be determined through AAI’s detailed project report.

Where Will Puri International Airport Be Located?

The proposed Shree Jagannath International Airport will be located at Sipasarubali in Brahmagiri tehsil of Puri district. The airport site is close to the Bay of Bengal and lies along the broader Puri-Satapada-Bhubaneswar corridor. It will connect to the region through National Highway 316.

The proposed site is around:

• 50 km from Biju Patnaik International Airport by air
• Around 67 km from Bhubaneswar airport by road

Its location could provide easier airport access to Puri and nearby tourism destinations.

What Facilities Are Planned at Puri International Airport?

The new Puri airport is planned as a modern aviation facility with passenger, cargo, technical, and airline-support infrastructure. The airport plan includes a 54,000 sq m integrated terminal building. Other proposed facilities include:

• 7,000 sq m cargo terminal
• Air traffic control and technical building
• Administrative building
• Utility services block
• Category-9 fire station
• Aircraft isolation bay
• Maintenance facilities
• Ground support equipment facilities
• Flight catering services
• Fuel farm

The airport is also expected to receive modern communication and navigation systems. These could include airport surveillance radar, surface movement radar, meteorological equipment, an Instrument Landing System (ILS), and DVOR/DME navigation systems.

Planned Runway and Airside Infrastructure

Phase 1 plans include a 3,700-meter-long and 45-meter-wide Code-E runway. The proposed airport will also feature two link taxiways, parallel taxiways, and aircraft parking facilities.

What Will Be the Passenger Capacity of Puri Airport?

The first phase of Shree Jagannath International Airport is planned to handle around 4.6 million passengers per year. The proposed integrated terminal building will have a peak handling capacity of about 1,337 passengers.

When Will Shree Jagannath International Airport Open?

A confirmed Puri airport opening date has not yet been announced. AAI first needs to prepare an updated detailed project report, secure the required approval from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and complete the remaining statutory formalities before the project can move into full execution. The construction timeline is likely to become clearer after the DPR receives approval. Travelers should therefore treat any unofficial opening dates circulating online with caution until the government or AAI announces a formal schedule.

Puri International Airport Moves Closer to Development

AAI’s decision to develop Shree Jagannath International Airport and the recent environmental and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearances mark important progress for the long-awaited project. Once developed, the new airport could strengthen connectivity to Puri, support Odisha tourism, and provide additional aviation capacity for the region.

As the project moves through the DPR and approval stages, travelers can watch for future updates on construction and airline connectivity.

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