'Direct flights to Qatar, Bangkok, Singapore, Colombo & Dubai'

BijuPatnaik airport has undergone a metamorphosis in the last five years on several fronts, be it augmentation of operational capabilities, up-gradation of terminal building, improvement of air traffic control or enhancing security apparatus in and around the airport. As the airport is poised for an international take-off now, airport director Sharad Kumar shares plans to attract international fliers with RiyanRamanath V.

Q- How soon are you going to start international operations?

A-As we are going to use the old domestic terminal for international operations, we have to meet a lot of requirements before we start. However, things are moving fast and we are almost ready. The only thing we are waiting for is an international tag, which will be given by the ministry of civil aviation. We are expecting the ministry's nod by March 31.

Q-Why will an international flier opt for Bhubaneswar airport?

A-There are two kinds of international travel - business and leisure. As far as business travel is concerned, the state's potential is very high because of recent industrial growth and increasing mining activities.

Q- What are the prominent international destinations to be connected to Bhubaneswar airport?

A-Initially there will be direct flights from Bhubaneswar to five prominent places like Qatar, Bangkok, Singapore, Colombo and Dubai. It is heartening that even though the airport is awaiting an international tag, several fliers have expressed interest to run flights.

Q-Which international carriers have already committed to operate from here?

A-Indigo, Fly Dubai, Silk air and Thai Airways have already committed to operate from here.

Q-You had said high fuel surcharge here is still a problem.

A-Yes, it is natural. If the fuel surcharge is high, fliers won't be interested because fuel comprises about 50% of a flight's operation cost. More fliers are interested to operate from Chhattisgarh because fuel surcharge there is about 4% while here it is 21%. The chairman of Airport Authority of India (AAI) and civil aviation secretary have had discussions with the state government in this regard.

Q-How will international operation boost the state's tourism potential?

A-Many foreign tourists drop their plans to come to Odisha as the state does not have direct international connectivity yet. As of now the state attracts only budget tourists but after international operation starts, more elite tourists are expected to visit.

Q-How are you planning to counter the menace of birds around the airport ahead of international operations?

A-We are well prepared. We are coordinating with state government officials in this regard. BMC has cleaned the airport periphery area by cutting trees, bushes, slums and slaughter houses. The airport is soon going to be free from bird and animal menace.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com