Bhubaneswar: Ending uncertainty over operationalisation of Jharsuguda airport in Odisha, the regional flights under UDAN scheme are likely to fly from the newly licensed airport from July 5.

Source said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to inaugurate the much-awaited airport on July 5 in Jharsuguda.

Although, the construction work of the airport is almost completed, the inaugural programme was fixed for July 5 in view of the schedules of PM Modi, the source said.

The airport was built in an area of 909.22 acre at an expenditure of Rs 175 crore, out of which the state has provided Rs 50 crore.

The regional flights from the Jharsuguda airport will fly to Bhubaneswar, Ranchi and Raipur under Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) scheme after its inauguration.

Earlier, there were reports that the major Indian regional airline Air Odisha was planning to launch its flight to Jharsuguda airport on June 14.

The programme is expected to be postponed till July 5.