Rourkela: In a major boost to air connectivity in Odisha ahead of Hockey World Cup, the commercial flight operations from Rourkela will start from January 7.
Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has made this announcement on Friday.
In a Twitter post, the Minister, explained it as a New Year gift for Odisha and said it would prove to be a boon for the mining industry in Odisha and the marquee hockey event.
The trial landing of ATR-72 aircraft was successfully conducted by Alliance Air at Rourkela airport.
Transport and Commerce Secretary Usha Padhee, Sports Secretary R Vineel Krishna, Sundargarh Collector Parag Harshad Gavali and other officials were present during the trial run.
The trial takes place ahead of the launch of commercial flight operation from Rourkela airport in view of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup scheduled to be held from January 13 to 29.
Rourkela will co-host the mega sporting event with Bhubaneswar.