On record
Air services to Rourkela (home to NIT Rourkela, a Smart City, and the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium) were launched for the 2023 Men's Hockey World Cup but subsequently suspended, leaving the "Smart City" without air connectivity for months. Local leaders and institutions publicly protested the negligence, and as of the Ministry's December 2025 Rajya Sabha disclosure, Rourkela remained on the list of UDAN airports with zero scheduled flights.
The official record states: "No specific technical or financial reason was disclosed publicly; a local BJP MLA said discussions were ongoing with the state's aviation minister to restore services "soon.""
“Air service launched for a Hockey World Cup and retired with the tournament.”— Blunderlust Editorial Desk
Sources
- https://odishatv.in/news/odisha/smart-city-without-air-connectivity-flight-suspension-to-rourkela-triggers-outcry-among-locals-271594
- https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/pathankot-ludhiana-shimla-among-15-udan-airports-with-no-flight-operation/
Visitor reviews Satire
“Air service arrived for the Hockey World Cup and left with the trophy.”
“A Smart City with a NIT and an international stadium, and no scheduled flight on the board.”
“The local MLA says talks are ongoing with the aviation minister. The terminal is ready whenever they finish talking.”
