Naveen seeks international flight operations from BPIA

Odisha Channel Bureau Bhubaneswar, Oct 17: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has urged Union Civil Aviation Minister A.Gajapathi Raju seeking starting of international flight operations from Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) here.“Considering the industrial, commercial and tourist importance of Odisha, a decision on this issue may be taken urgently,” said Patnaik in his letter to Raju.If felt necessary, an official level meeting of your officers and the officers of the State Government along with representatives of interested carriers may be urgently convened to discuss the issue,” Patnaik said.The failure to utilise the new Terminal and the delay in the international flights from Bhubaneswar has not only adversely affected the economics of the Airports Authority of India but has also undermined the legitimate expectations of the people of Odisha, Patnaik said.Government of India had declared Biju Patnaik Airport as an international airport on October 30 last year.As a follow up, Odisha Government made arrangements for establishing immigration, health and quarantine facilities for the new international airport terminal.The value added tax (VAT) and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) was also brought down from 20% to 5% with effect from December, 2013, Patnaik mentioned in his letter.Airports Authority of India also established a new terminal fully dedicated for international flights.Patnaik further said in his letter to Raju that the State Government had also written several letters enclosing copes of the requests from international carriers interested to start international flight operations from Bhubaneswar.“But unfortunately, no decision has been taken by the Ministry of Civil Aviation on this important issue,” Patnaik added.Chief Secretary of Odisha Government had also written letters to the Secretary, Civil Aviation on the matter, Patnaik noted.