Puri, Ap 4: The long-anticipated dream of an international airport in Puri has taken a significant step toward realization as the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has granted in-principle (Stage-1) forest clearance for the construction of the Shree Jagannath International Airport.

The clearance was issued after a thorough examination of the proposal submitted by the Government of Odisha (Proposal No. FP/OR/Airport/426096/2023). On February 27, 2026, the Advisory Committee under Section 3 of the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, reviewed the project. Based on their recommendations and the approval from the competent authority, the Central Government has now granted the Stage-1 approval.

The Ministry’s official letter stated: “After careful consideration of the proposal by the Government of Odisha, and based on the recommendations of the Advisory Committee and approval by the competent authority of MoEFCC, New Delhi, the Central Government hereby accords ‘In-principle/Stage-1 approval under Section 2 (1) (il) of the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980 for diversion of 27.887 ha. of DLC forest land for the construction of Shree Jagannath International Airport under Puri Forest Division in Puri District.”

The project promises to enhance connectivity to Puri, allowing pilgrims and tourists from across the country and abroad to travel directly to the holy city instead of flying into Bhubaneswar. This development follows the earlier in-principle approval from the Ministry of Civil Aviation for the greenfield airport project.

Once operational, the Shree Jagannath International Airport is expected to significantly boost tourism and facilitate the smooth movement of devotees visiting the revered Jagannath Temple in Puri.