International operators ready to begin flights from Bhubaneswar airport

International operators ready to begin flights from B'baneswar airport Bhubaneswar Three international airlines are ready to begin flights from the Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) here after the state government decided to slash the VAT on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), sources said.

The airlines — Fly Dubai, Silk Air (Singapore) and Air Arabia — were encouraged about beginning services after the VAT on ATF was slashed from 20 to 5 per cent with the airport also offering free night parking.

Chairing a meeting on review of flight operations, Chief Secretary JK Mohapatra said that reduction in the VAT should lead to an increase in the number of flights from the airport.

Regional Director (Eastern) of Airports Authority of India, S Bhaduri, has informed the state government that 20 airlines have been contacted about opening international and domestic services covering Bhubaneswar.

The representatives of the airlines are said to have expressed a desire to include BPIA in their schedule of operations and have asked the state government to consult the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation for finalisation of routes.

Sources said the airlines have prepared six-month summer and winter schedules.