Bhubaneswar: To enhance the travel experience of flyers, Passenger Service Day will be observed at airports across the country on September 17. At Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar, a series of programmes have been lined up for passengers and stakeholders, the airport Director Prasanna Pradhan informed.
The celebrations will begin on Wednesday morning after the arrival of the first flight. Passengers will be welcomed with applying of ‘tika’ and a vibrant Sambalpuri dance performance. Senior citizen travelers will also take part in a tree plantation drive. A general knowledge competition for children and a special selfie point are among the other highlights.
In addition, a health camp will be organized for passengers and airport staff, while awareness and feedback sessions will be conducted on the Udaan Café. An observer from the Airport Authority headquarters has already reached Bhubaneswar to oversee the arrangements.
Clarifying on flight operations, Pradhan addressed concerns regarding the Dubai sector, stating that no official confirmation has been received about suspension of services. He assured that airport authorities, government, and airlines are working together to maintain smooth operations and necessary schedule adjustments will be made.
Bhubaneswar airport continues to be one of the fastest-growing aviation hubs in eastern India. Last year, it handled 4.83 million passengers, ranking 13th among Indian airports and second only to Kolkata in the east. The airport recorded a turnover of ₹100 crore in the last fiscal year and has set a target of ₹147 crore this year. While flights to Surat are set to resume, the proposed direct flights to Srinagar have been temporarily suspended due to operational reasons.
