Odisha: Malkangiri-Visakhapatnam Air Connectivity May Become A Reality In 2025

Malkangiri: If things go as per plan, flight services between Odisha’s Malkangiri town and Visakhapatnam city in Andhra Pradesh may start in 2025. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DCGA) has reportedly approved the proposal for flight services between the two places.

Confirming the news to the media, Visakhapatnam International Airport Director S Raja Reddy said, “Yes, we have received a proposal for flights from operator India One. If everything is approved, the service is scheduled to start from January 2025.”

Initially, a nine-seater aircraft by the operator India One is likely to operate between Malkangiri and Visakhapatnam. The pre-operation arrangements are underway for the flight services between the two destinations, sources said.

Although India One Airlines is working on operating flights between Malkangiri and Visakhapatnam, but as on date Malkangiri airport, which was opened in January 2024 is not yet fully operational for commercial flights. Former Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik had inaugurated the airport in last January,  sources added.

Malkangiri Collector Ashish Deva Patil told the media that Malkangiri Airport is currently operating unscheduled flights. It is now used only for emergency services only.

“There are no services like regular passenger flights here. We are currently prioritizing the development of the airport’s infrastructure and tenders have also been invited. Efforts are on to make the airport ready for scheduled flights,” he said.

However, the Andhra Pradesh Air Travellers’ Association has welcomed the plan. Naresh Kumar, representative of association said, “We welcome the air connectivity between Visakhapatnam and Malkangiri.”

The flight services between Malkangiri and Visakhapatnam is likely to improve the connectivity between the two important urban locations in the neighbouring states and help tourists as well.