Koraput: Nearly two years into its operation, Jeypore airport is poised for a substantial upgrade following a positive feasibility survey conducted by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
The district administration initiated preliminary steps on Wednesday to elevate the airport from its current 2C classification to 3C, enabling it to accommodate a 72-seater aircraft and operate round the clock.
Koraput collector Keerthi Vasan V confirmed the developments, saying, “A feasibility survey has been conducted for the airport’s expansion, and the response has been positive. A detailed meeting with the transport department will be held soon to discuss the expansion plans.” He added that the project is still in its planning stages, with further steps depending on the outcome of the meeting.
Officials said that over 300 acres of land will be needed to extend the current 1,200-meter runway to 2,700 meters. The expansion will also include enhanced security measures. Khiradhar Kandhapani, the superintending engineer of the public works department in Jeypore, said, “A detailed report on land acquisition, displacement, and the rehabilitation of affected families will be presented at the meeting scheduled for Sept 11. Once finalized, the land acquisition process will begin.”
The proposed expansion is expected to displace around 300 families from Bankobija village, with discussions on resettlement ongoing. Jeypore airport made history with its first flight from Bhubaneswar on Oct 31, 2022, under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme. Currently, a nine-seater flight operates daily between Bhubaneswar-Jeypore and Jeypore-Visakhapatnam, with twice-daily services on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

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