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Bhubaneswar, Oct 15: With the beginning of round the clock operation and additional flights, the Airport Authority of India (AAI) is planning to introduce more passenger amenities at the city airport.
AAI officials confirmed that Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) will have facilities like a convention centre, restaurants and flight catering services in the near future.
“AAI is exploring the possibilities of creating more facilities close to airport. We have plans to have convention centre, restaurants and flight catering services. These will be beneficial for the passengers and airlines,” said BPIA director R Mahalingam.
Sources said AAI officials have had discussions with the state government and an expression of interest for the above mentioned facilities will be issued soon.
“We are trying to find interested vendors for these facilities and the proposal will be finalised done after assessing the demand and requirement,” added Mahalingam.
Experts opined that this will create more business and employment opportunities.
“An international airport like BPIA needs more passenger amenities. The decision to introduce such services will also attract more airlines to the state and also help in the growth of tourism sector,” said an expert.
The passengers association also welcomed the initiative. However, they suggested that AAI should provide the new facilities at an affordable rate.
“We welcome this decision and it will be highly beneficial for the passengers. AAI should also try to introduce facilities at affordable rates otherwise it will help only a few passengers,” said Kalinga Air Travellers Association convener Biswajit Mohanty. PNN
