In a shocking revelation, it has come to light that the Malkangiri Airport, inaugurated by the former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in January 2024, lacked the necessary approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). According to an RTI query, no application for an aerodrome license was ever filed for the airport’s management.

This raises questions about whether an actual airport or just an airstrip was inaugurated on January 9, 2024. Despite the lavish announcements and advertisements surrounding the inauguration, the RTI response from DGCA has cast doubt on the legitimacy of the event.

RTI activist Pradeep Pradhan criticized the previous government, stating, "They staged this overnight drama to fool the people of Malkangiri and Koraput for votes, spending crores from the state exchequer. Now, the so-called airport is in shambles, with walls collapsed and roads washed away."

Experts highlight that DGCA approval is mandatory for airports, which must include facilities such as ticket counters and security check-ins. However, small airstrips for helicopters do not require DGCA permission, further deepening the question of whether Malkangiri's facility was ever intended to function as a full-fledged airport.

Calls are now being made for the new government to take action. "I urge the Mohan Majhi government to make Malkangiri Airport operational soon," said BJD leader Manas Madkami.

Today, the site languishes in disrepair, with reports of animals roaming freely through the lobby and runway, waterlogging issues, and structural damage caused by heavy rains. The controversy surrounding its inauguration leaves a significant blot on the previous administration’s legacy.