Malkangiri, July 22 (UDN): Malkangiri is set to take a major step towards improved regional air connectivity as the district’s newly developed airport is scheduled to receive its first trial flight on Wednesday. The successful completion of the trial is expected to pave the way for the launch of commercial flights under the Centre’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme within the next month.
According to the flight schedule, the aircraft will depart from Jeypore at 1:50 pm and is expected to land at Malkangiri Airport at 2:20 pm. After a brief halt, it will take off from Malkangiri at 2:30 pm and return to Jeypore by 3 pm.
Trial Flight Crucial for Commercial Operations
The trial landing is a key milestone before regular passenger services can begin. Officials said that if all operational and safety parameters are successfully met, 9-seater aircraft will be deployed on the route as part of the Regional Connectivity Scheme.
The Malkangiri–Jeypore–Bhubaneswar route is expected to be the first commercial service from the airport, significantly reducing travel time between the remote tribal district and the state capital.
Security Preparedness Completed
Ahead of the trial operation, the district administration, along with airport security agencies, conducted a comprehensive security inspection of the airport. The exercise covered the runway, terminal building, baggage handling area and other critical infrastructure to ensure compliance with aviation safety standards.
The inspection was carried out in the presence of Assistant Director of Security Manoj Kumar Das, Aero Safeguard Assistant Director Neeraj Kumar Nayak, and other officials from the district administration and airport security.
Expansion Plans on the Horizon
The airport currently has a 1,600-metre runway, suitable for operating smaller aircraft under the UDAN scheme. The Odisha government is planning to extend the runway to 3,000 metres in the future, enabling the airport to accommodate larger aircraft and expand air connectivity.
Beyond the initial Bhubaneswar route, the government also plans to link Malkangiri with neighbouring Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, improving connectivity for one of Odisha’s most remote districts and boosting tourism, trade and emergency transportation.
The commencement of commercial flights is expected to provide a major fillip to regional development by enhancing accessibility and supporting economic growth in the region.