The Eastern Region Ministers’ Conference on Civil Aviation 2025, held in Bhubaneswar, marked a strategic turning point in India’s regional aviation development. Organised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in collaboration with the Government of Odisha, the conference brought together key stakeholders from Odisha, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, alongside over 100 industry participants including airline operators, OEMs, FTOs, MROs, cargo and drone companies.
Chief Minister of Odisha Mohan Charan Majhi emphasized the role of air connectivity in balanced regional growth, cargo logistics, and industrial expansion. He reaffirmed Odisha’s commitment to advancing the aviation sector through active collaboration and full utilization of support from the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Union Minister for Civil Aviation Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu highlighted the Eastern Region’s potential to drive India’s emergence as a global aviation powerhouse. With industrial capacity, tourism assets, coastal access, and aspirational Tier-II cities, the region presents diverse connectivity needs. He assured continued support from the Centre and underscored aviation as a critical enabler of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
The Minister credited the UDAN scheme for transforming aviation into an accessible and affordable mode of transport. He cited India’s rise to the third-largest domestic aviation market and pointed to airport expansion, regional carrier growth, aviation skilling, and MRO incentives as key pillars of progress. He also stressed the importance of Flight Training Organizations in building a skilled workforce and noted the untapped potential of sea planes in boosting tourism and last-mile connectivity.
Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol outlined the Ministry’s vision for a future-ready, inclusive aviation ecosystem. He noted the growth of aviation infrastructure from 74 to 162 airports over the past 11 years and highlighted key Eastern Region projects including the new terminal at Patna, the civil enclave at Bihta, the upcoming Purnia airport, and in-principle approval for a greenfield airport at Puri. He confirmed that 12 UDAN airports and 115 UDAN routes have been operationalized in the region.
Commerce and Transport Minister of Odisha Bibhuti Bhushan Jena emphasized regional connectivity as a lever for unlocking Eastern India’s economic potential. Finance Minister of Chhattisgarh Om Prakash Choudhary spoke on aviation’s role in inclusive growth and reaffirmed the State’s commitment to policy-driven ecosystem transformation.
The conference saw the signing of key agreements including the establishment of an anchor MRO facility at Bhubaneswar Airport by Air Works India in collaboration with Odisha’s Commerce and Transport Department. The facility will serve domestic and international operators and generate skilled employment. A Letter of Intent was signed with Air India to launch a Cadet Pilot Program focused on empowering Odia tribal girls. Under the Nua Odisha scheme, Air Works will also conduct six-month training in aircraft surface preparation and painting for 20 local candidates.
Structured interactions between State delegations and Ministry officials addressed connectivity challenges, infrastructure proposals, and investment facilitation. Presentations covered airport and helipad development models, UDAN, aviation skilling, drone ecosystems, and Helicopter Emergency Medical Services. DGCA briefed States on their role in promoting aviation safety.
The conference also previewed Wings India 2026, scheduled for January 28–31, jointly organised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Airports Authority of India, and FICCI. The event will showcase India’s aviation growth and foster global partnerships.
Union Ministers Rammohan Naidu and Murlidhar Mohol inaugurated the Udan Yatri Cafe at Bhubaneswar Airport, the fifth such facility in India, offering affordable refreshments to travellers. A children’s play arena was also launched to enhance passenger experience.
The Eastern Region Ministers’ Conference marked a milestone in decentralised aviation planning, investment mobilisation, and inclusive access to air travel, positioning the region as a vital contributor to India’s aviation-led development.
