Koraput: Over two years since it started operation, Jeypore airport is set for a significant upgrade. The govt has approved its upgrade from 2B to 3C status, allowing it to accommodate 72-seater aircraft and operate 24×7 without runway visual range limitations.
Koraput district collector Keerthi Vasan V said, “The govt has approved the upgrade proposal and it is currently in the detailed project report (DPR) stage.”
A 2B airport is meant for small aircraft while 3C airport can handle bigger planes. Besides, 3C airport is equipped with an instrument landing system (ILS) that can help aircraft land in low visibility.
Over 200 acres of land will be acquired, including approximately 50 acres of govt land, as a part of the expansion project. The upgrade includes extending the current 1,200m runway to 2,700m, along with enhanced security measures.
“The land acquisition proposal has been sent to the govt and after its approval, land acquisition will be intensified. If all goes as planned, we are hopeful that larger aircraft could begin operations at Jeypore airport within the next two years,” the collector added.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) had submitted a positive feasibility survey report in Aug 2024, paving the way for the upgrade. Currently, the airport hosts two nine-seater flights daily between Bhubaneswar and Jeypore, and one to Visakhapatnam.