The proposed site is in close proximity to Lake Chilika, a Ramsar site and wetland of international importance, WII said. | Photo credit: File Photo
The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has recommended setting up an international airport on a greenfield site in Puri, citing that migratory birds pose a huge risk to flights and the proposed location is in close proximity to Chilika Lake, a Ramsar site and a wetland of international importance.
The Government of Odisha has proposed the construction of Shree Jagannath International Airport at Puri on the grounds that there is not enough land at the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar for further expansion of the runways.
The Airports Authority of India and the state government jointly promoted the Puri project. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has already issued a site clearance certificate. The project was proposed to come up on 471,401 hectares in Sipasurubali village in Brahmagiri tehsil of Puri.
Published – 11 Apr 2026 01:36 IST
