Government to Establish Aircraft Maintenance Facility at Biju Patnaik Airport

Government to Establish Aircraft Maintenance Facility at Biju Patnaik International Airport

New MRO Facility to Enhance Regional Aviation Infrastructure

The Odisha government has announced plans to establish a dedicated maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility at Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive aircraft repair services within the region, reducing the current dependence on outstation maintenance hubs that often cause operational delays and increased costs for airlines.

The new MRO unit will be housed in a recently constructed 4,670-square-meter hangar at the airport. Designed to accommodate large aircraft such as the Airbus A321, the facility is expected to streamline maintenance processes significantly. A private operator will be selected through a government tender to manage the MRO operations. According to airport director Prasanna Pradhan, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) board has approved the handover of the hangar to the state government, a move anticipated to enhance the airport’s capabilities and attract more airlines to Bhubaneswar.

Economic Benefits and Operational Impact

The establishment of the MRO facility is projected to bolster aviation infrastructure in eastern India, creating employment opportunities and contributing to the region’s economic development. The state government will pay monthly rent for the hangar, with specific terms and operational details to be finalized shortly. The adjacent apron and taxiway will be utilized to facilitate smooth aircraft movement into the maintenance unit.

Officials have indicated that the facility will service a broad range of aircraft, including large commercial jets, smaller planes, and helicopters. The unit will operate under the supervision of the state government to ensure quality control and regulatory compliance. Various carriers and maintenance sector stakeholders are expected to express interest in operating the MRO, reflecting the growing demand for localized aircraft servicing.

Addressing Growth and Operational Challenges at BPIA

Biju Patnaik International Airport has experienced a 26.9% increase in passenger traffic in 2024 compared to the previous year, although it narrowly missed its target of five million annual passengers due to slower growth in late 2023. The airport currently manages approximately 52 daily arrivals and departures, with new domestic routes being introduced. Aircraft movements rose to 35,368 in 2023-24 from 30,745 the previous year, underscoring Bhubaneswar’s emergence as a significant regional aviation hub.

The new MRO facility is expected to improve the efficiency of addressing technical issues, thereby reducing aircraft turnaround times and operational costs for airlines. This enhancement could lead to positive market responses as carriers benefit from minimized delays and improved service reliability.

Navigating Regulatory and Competitive Challenges

While the MRO facility is poised to strengthen BPIA’s operational efficiency and appeal, officials acknowledge potential challenges related to regulatory compliance, ensuring operational readiness, and competition from established MRO centers in other regions. Industry experts suggest that competitors may respond by upgrading their own facilities or expanding capacity to maintain their market positions.

Strategic Significance for Bhubaneswar’s Aviation Sector

The introduction of the MRO facility represents a strategic effort to consolidate BPIA’s status as a preferred destination for airlines and to support the broader economic ambitions of the region. Once operational, the facility is expected to set new benchmarks for aviation infrastructure and service excellence in eastern India.