Surge in Chartered Flight Activity at Biju Patnaik International Airport
The Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar has witnessed a significant increase in chartered (non-scheduled) flight activity, with over 3,489 movements recorded in the 2023-24 financial year. This surge is expected to continue during the upcoming election season.
In April alone, the airport handled 144 chartered flights, including 68 arrivals and 76 departures. Over 1,400 chartered flight movements were recorded between December 2023 and April 2024.
Airport authorities are closely monitoring the chartered flights and the passengers traveling in them, sharing details with the chief electoral officer and district election officer. The airport’s revenue from non-scheduled operations has increased to Rs 24 lakh in the last financial year and is anticipated to grow further.
In addition to political travel, business tycoons and industrialists also contribute to non-scheduled flight movements. The airport has reported the arrival of mostly eight and nine-seater chartered flights, but larger aircraft have also landed occasionally.
