The Odisha government has announced plans to develop four new airstrips in western Odisha, increasing the region’s total number of airports to eight. The new airstrips will be located at Jamadarpali (Sambalpur), Satibhata (Bargarh), Gotma (Nuapada), and Tusura (Balangir), as confirmed by Transport Minister Bibhuti Jena in response to a query from Balangir MLA Kalikesh Singh Deo in the state assembly.

Currently, western Odisha has four operational airports—Jeypore (Koraput), Veer Surendra Sai Airport (Jharsuguda), a small airport in Rourkela (Sundargarh district), and an airstrip at Utkela (Kalahandi district)—all of which provide direct connectivity to Bhubaneswar. Singh Deo had sought details on the government’s regional airport development initiatives, particularly regarding Balangir and Jeypore, while raising concerns over potential delays in project execution.

Jena confirmed that Jeypore airport would be upgraded from 2B to 3C category with 229.4 acres of land acquisition. Similarly, Tusura airport in Balangir will be upgraded to 2B category with an investment of Rs 650 billion. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi laid the foundation for its upgradation in November 2023, and the obstacle limitation survey has been completed. However, procedural hurdles, land acquisition, and aerodrome licensing have delayed the project’s implementation.

Beyond western Odisha, the government also plans to develop four more airports at Raisua and Barbil (Keonjhar district), Gudari (Kandhamal), and Amarda (Mayurbhanj district), further strengthening air connectivity across central, northern, and west-central Odisha. In September 2023, then Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia confirmed, reviving the World War II-era airstrip at Amarda Road, owned by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The airstrip has remained unused for years, prompting local demands for its revival to enhance connectivity in north Odisha.

Additionally, the Odisha government has allocated funds in its recent budget for a greenfield airport in Paradip, aimed at boosting industrial growth, exports, and connectivity to coastal economic hubs. Unlike brownfield airports, which repurpose existing infrastructure, greenfield airports are built from scratch, positioning Paradip as a critical node in the state's expanding aviation network.