The Steel Authority of India Ltd has signed a pact with the Airport Authority of India (AAI) to facilitate the launch of commercial flights from Rourkela in Odisha. Rourkela Steel Plant, part of SAIL, has signed the exploitation and management contract with AAI.

The state-owned company had signed a memorandum of understanding in 2018 for the use of its own airport, under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme, for the operation of commercial flights.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has provided financial support for the upgrade of this airport. The government of Odisha will provide security, fire and ambulance services in addition to other local evictions.

AAI will operate and manage the airport on behalf of SAIL - Rourkela Steel Plant.

The start of operations at Rourkela, Bokaro and Burnpur airports under UDAN would benefit the citizens of these cities through better connectivity and also accelerate the development of the region.