Rourkela

Welcome to the aerial gateway of India's "Steel City"! Rourkela Airport is not just a transport hub, but a true symbol of the region's industrial power, located in the immediate vicinity of the famous steel plant. Having recently undergone a major modernization specifically for the Hockey World Cup, this airport now welcomes guests with modern comfort and serves as a convenient starting point for exploring the unique culture and nature of the state of Odisha.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

Rourkela Airport is unique in its history and management: formally, it belongs to the metallurgical giant SAIL (Steel Authority of India Limited), but it is managed by the state operator AAI, which guarantees high safety standards. Following the recent reconstruction, a new passenger terminal has appeared here, the interiors of which are decorated with motifs of traditional Odisha art, creating a cosy atmosphere from the first minutes of your stay.

A significant advantage is its location — just 6 kilometres from the city centre, allowing you to reach your hotel or business centre in a matter of minutes. The airport plays a key role in the regional UDAN programme, providing direct and fast connections to major hubs such as Bhubaneswar and Kolkata, which significantly saves time for travellers who previously had to rely solely on rail transport.

Below is the essential contact information to help you plan your trip. Please note that the airport is regional and centrally managed, so for operational issues, it is often more effective to contact head offices or the airline directly.

• Official Airport Website: www.aai.aero (General portal of the Airports Authority of India, as the terminal does not have a separate website).
• Airport Address: Rourkela Airport, Near Chhend Colony, Rourkela, Odisha 769004, India.
• Helpline Phone: +91 11 2463 2950 (General AAI Hotline). A direct phone line within the terminal may not be available for passengers.
• Email: apd_verk@aai.aero (Airport Director's Office). This contact is for administrative inquiries, not for flight information.
• Social Media: Official news and updates are published on the Airports Authority of India account on X (Twitter) — @AAI_Official.
• Lost Luggage Information: Airline staff (Alliance Air) handle lost property searches directly in the arrival area.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For questions regarding schedules, flight delays, and ticket booking, it is recommended to contact the call centre of the main carrier, Alliance Air: +91 44 4255 4255.

Thanks to the airport's convenient location within the city limits, the journey to the centre of Rourkela (Sector 2, Civil Township) takes minimal time and requires no complex logistical solutions. The distance is only about 6 kilometres, allowing you to reach your destination in 15–20 minutes, provided there is no heavy traffic.

Taxi and Transfer

The most convenient way to leave the airport is to use a taxi or transfer service. Popular aggregators operate in Rourkela (e.g., Ola and Uber); however, the availability of cars directly at the terminal may vary depending on the time of day. It is recommended to book a car via the app in advance, immediately after landing.

• Cost: A trip to the centre will cost approximately 200–400 Indian Rupees (INR).
• Hotel Transfer: Many prestigious hotels in the city, such as Mayfair Rourkela, offer guest pick-up services. This is the most reliable option for tourists visiting the region for the first time.

Auto-rickshaws (Tuk-tuks)

For those who want to experience the local flavour and save money, auto-rickshaws are an excellent option. This is the most common mode of transport in the city. Their stand can be found near the terminal exit or on the main road near the Chhend Colony area.

• Cost: About 100–150 INR to the centre.
• Tip: It is better to agree on the price in advance, before boarding, or ask the driver to use the meter (although the latter does not always work).

Public Transport

There is no metro system in Rourkela. The main public transport consists of city buses under the "Mo Bus" system. Although buses do not enter the terminal grounds, stops are within walking distance (about 10–15 minutes walk) on the main streets of the Chhend district. This is a budget-friendly option, but it may be inconvenient with bulky luggage.

If you are arriving in the city by train and need to get to the airport, you can reach the terminal from "Rourkela Junction" railway station by taxi or auto-rickshaw in about 20–25 minutes.

Car Rental

Classic self-drive car rental is poorly developed in Rourkela. Most often, "rental" here implies hiring a car with a local driver for the whole day or for a certain number of hours through travel agencies or hotels.

Parking

A small parking zone for private cars is equipped in front of the terminal. It is intended mainly for short-term parking (drop-off and pick-up of passengers). Spaces are limited, so leaving a car for a long period is not recommended.

Alternative Airports Nearby

Since Rourkela Airport accepts a limited number of flights, travellers often use neighbouring, larger aviation hubs and then reach the city by train or taxi. The nearest major option is Veer Surendra Sai Airport in Jharsuguda (about 88 km). The journey from there to Rourkela takes about 2 hours by car.

Other available options for route planning:

• Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi (128 km) — convenient for connections with flights from North India.
• Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar (246 km) — the state's main aviation hub with the highest number of flights.
• Gaya Airport (276 km).
• Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport in Durgapur (291 km).

Rourkela Airport (RRK) is characterised by its compactness and ease of navigation, which is typical for regional air harbours in India. There is one passenger terminal operating here, which exclusively serves domestic flights. Despite its modest size, the building underwent massive reconstruction and modernisation ahead of the 2023 Hockey World Cup, transforming into a modern and comfortable space for travellers.

Terminal Features and Interior

The terminal building is single-storey, making it extremely convenient for passengers with luggage and people with disabilities. Inside the terminal, an atmosphere of Odisha's cultural heritage prevails. The walls and waiting halls are decorated with traditional paintings and jute handicrafts, introducing guests to the local colour even before they step out into the city. The terminal is equipped with modern air conditioning and CCTV systems, ensuring safety and comfort in the hot climate.

Zoning and Navigation

The airport layout is intuitive, and getting lost here is practically impossible. The flows of departing and arriving passengers are separated but located within the same building:

• Departure Zone: Located to the left of the entrance. Here you will find check-in counters (usually only a few, as there are not many flights), the security screening area, and the boarding gate waiting lounge. The lounge is designed to accommodate about 250 passengers simultaneously, which is sufficient to service ATR-72 type aircraft, which fly to Rourkela most frequently.
• Arrival Zone: Located in the right part of the building. It is equipped with a baggage carousel. The luggage claim procedure is very fast thanks to the low passenger traffic.

Transfers and Boarding

Since there is only one terminal, there are no transfers between buildings. A feature of Rourkela is the absence of aerobridges ("jet bridges") and apron buses. The distance from the boarding gate to the aircraft stand is minimal, so passengers usually walk to the stairs along a designated path on the apron. This takes literally a couple of minutes and allows you to see the aircraft up close.

Check-in and Pre-flight Procedures

Thanks to the airport's small size, all formalities are completed much faster than in major hubs. However, given the strict security rules at Indian airports, it is recommended to adhere to the following timeframes:

• Check-in opens: Usually 2 hours before departure.
• Check-in closes: 45 minutes before departure.
• Security check: Queues for screening are generally short. The entire journey from the terminal entrance to the waiting area ("airside") takes on average 15–20 minutes.

Navigation Recommendations

For the most comfortable departure, keep your printed ticket or its electronic version ready right at the building entrance — security staff check documents at the very threshold of the terminal. Inside, there are not many shops or entertainment zones, so proceed to the waiting lounge immediately after check-in. If you need assistance, airport staff speaking English and Hindi are always within sight thanks to the open plan of the hall.

The history of Rourkela Airport is inextricably linked with the industrialisation of independent India and the emergence of the city itself as a major metallurgical centre. Unlike many other air harbours created immediately for mass passenger transport, this airfield originally had a strictly departmental purpose.

The Era of Steel and Private Flights

The airfield was built in the 1950s simultaneously with the construction of the Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP). In those days, its main task was to ensure transport accessibility for the plant's top management, government officials, and foreign delegations visiting the "Steel City". For decades, the runway hosted only small private jets and charters.

In the 1980s, the first attempt was made to establish regular connections: Vayudoot airline began operating flights to Ranchi and Kolkata using small aircraft. However, after the carrier ceased operations, the airport once again fell into a "slumber", serving only VIP guests and emergency flights.

Revival for the World Cup

The modern history of the airport began very recently and developed at a rapid pace. Sport became the key catalyst for change. When India won the right to host the 2023 Men's FIH Hockey World Cup, and Rourkela was chosen as one of the host cities, an urgent need for a modern airport arose.

In 2022, massive reconstruction began. Infrastructure modernisation was carried out in record time:

• Extension and strengthening of the runway to accommodate ATR-72 type aircraft.
• Construction of a new passenger terminal with a capacity of up to 50 people per hour (with the possibility of expansion).
• Installation of modern navigation equipment, including an Instrument Landing System (ILS), which allowed flights to be accepted even in poor visibility.

A New Era: "RCS-UDAN"

The official opening of the renovated airport and the launch of commercial flights took place on 7 January 2023. This event was a real celebration for the residents of the region. The airport was included in the government's regional connectivity scheme UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik), designed to make air travel affordable for ordinary citizens.

Interesting Facts and Achievements:

• Unique Management Model: This is one of the few airports in India owned by an industrial corporation (SAIL — Steel Authority of India Limited), but operational management and flight services are carried out by the state-owned Airports Authority of India (AAI). The corresponding memorandum was signed in 2022.
• Licensing Leap: During modernisation, the airport upgraded its category from code 2B to 2C, which officially permitted the operation of turboprop regional liners.
• Sports Legacy: The first passengers of the renovated airport were not only tourists but also world hockey stars arriving for the world championship matches.
• Transformation Speed: The conversion of a private airstrip into a fully-fledged commercial airport took less than a year and a half, which is considered an outstanding result for regional infrastructure projects.

Rourkela Airport (RRK) is a compact regional aviation hub, so the range of services here differs from what tourists are used to seeing in major international hubs. The terminal infrastructure is focused on rapid passenger service, as the time spent here before departure or after arrival is usually minimal. Nevertheless, following recent modernisation, the airport offers a basic set of amenities for a comfortable wait for your flight.

Restaurants, Cafes and Shops

The gastronomic zone at the airport is modest but sufficient for a snack before the journey. There are no full-service restaurants with hot meals here.

• Cafes and Snack Bars: In the departure area, there is a small kiosk (snack bar) where you can buy tea, coffee, soft drinks, sandwiches, and packaged snacks. This is an excellent option for a light breakfast or afternoon tea.
• Shops: There is no Duty Free at the airport, as it serves only domestic flights. However, temporary stalls selling local souvenirs and handmade products, for which the state of Odisha is famous, are often organised in the terminal. This is a good chance to buy an authentic gift at the last minute.

Connectivity and Finance

For modern travellers, staying online is important, and the airport considers these needs, albeit with some limitations typical of small stations.

• Wi-Fi and Gadget Charging: Free Wi-Fi is available in the waiting lounge (usually requires authorisation via an Indian phone number). Charging stations with USB ports and standard sockets are also provided for recharging mobile devices and laptops.
• ATMs and Currency Exchange: There are no currency exchange points within the terminal. An ATM may be located in the common area near the terminal entrance; however, it is strongly recommended to withdraw cash (Indian Rupees) in the city in advance, as the machine may not service international cards or may be temporarily out of order.
• Lounges: There are currently no specialised business lounges or international network lounges (like Priority Pass) at Rourkela Airport. The waiting hall is common for all passengers. It is equipped with comfortable seats, air conditioning, and information screens. A separate VIP room exists, but it is intended exclusively for government delegations and top management, given the airport's departmental past.

Services for Passengers with Special Needs

The airport is designed with accessibility requirements in mind, making it convenient for citizens with reduced mobility.

• Barrier-Free Environment: Since the terminal is single-storey, there are no complicated stairs or escalators, which significantly facilitates movement in a wheelchair.
• Assistance: Alliance Air provides wheelchairs and assistance with boarding/disembarking upon prior request. It is recommended to notify the carrier of the need for such a service no later than 48 hours before departure.
• Restrooms: Sanitary rooms are equipped with special cubicles for people with disabilities.

Medical and Family Services

• Medical Point: A first aid room (Medical Inspection Room) operates in the terminal for emergencies. Duty staff are ready to provide basic medical support.
• Mother and Child Room: For parents with infants, a separate room is provided where you can feed or change a child in a quiet environment.

Hotels and Accommodation

There are no hotels or sleeping pods on the airport territory itself. However, thanks to the proximity to the city (only about 6 km), passengers can quickly reach the best hotels in Rourkela. The nearest options offer a decent level of comfort:

• Mayfair Rourkela: A luxury hotel located approximately 15–20 minutes' drive from the terminal. This is the most popular choice among business tourists and guests of the city who value premium service.
• The Central Park: A popular hotel located in the city centre, offering modern rooms and amenities for business travellers.
• Hotel Radhika Regency: Another worthy accommodation option with good value for money.
• Budget Options: Many affordable guesthouses can be found in the Civil Township area and near the railway station.

Business Services

There are no conference halls or business centres in the airport building itself. If you need to hold a meeting immediately upon arrival, it is recommended to book a meeting room in one of the aforementioned hotels, which specialise in MICE tourism.

Gastronomic opportunities at Rourkela Airport (RRK) fully correspond to its status as a compact regional hub. Since the terminal serves a small number of flights and passengers spend minimal time here, there are no full-service restaurants, bars, or food courts on the airport premises. Catering infrastructure is limited to spots for a quick snack, focused on the basic needs of travellers.

Cafes and Food Points

The main and essentially only food zone is located in the Departure Hall (Airside), accessible only after passing check-in and security screening. A small cafeteria-kiosk (Snack Bar/Kiosk) is located here.

• Assortment: The menu is dominated by light snacks. Passengers are offered fresh sandwiches (usually with vegetable or chicken filling), puffs/patties, muffins, and biscuits.
• Drinks: A standard set is available: bottled water, packaged juices, carbonated drinks, as well as hot tea (famous Indian masala chai) and coffee from a machine.
• Alcohol: The sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages on the terminal premises are completely excluded. There are no bars at the airport.

In the public area (Landside) before entering the terminal, temporary stalls with drinks may sometimes operate, but one should not rely on them.

Local Flavour and Specialities

Although hot dishes of Odisha cuisine are not prepared at the airport, packaged local sweets or salty snacks (namkeen) produced in the region can sometimes be found at the kiosk. This can be a good way to taste the flavours of Rourkela if you didn't manage to do so in the city.

Dietary Food

Given the limited selection, opportunities for adhering to strict diets are modest here:

• Vegetarians: India is a country with a huge selection of vegetarian food, so Veg Sandwiches or potato pastries (Samosa/Puff) are almost always available. Products are marked with a green dot on the packaging.
• Vegans: The choice is limited to packaged nuts, chips, or simple biscuits without milk. The availability of fruit is not guaranteed.
• Halal: Special certification for meat snacks in small kiosks is usually not displayed, but chicken is most often used. It is recommended to check ingredients with the seller.
• Gluten-Free: There are no specialised gluten-free products in the assortment; only natural snacks or drinks would be a safe option.

Prices and Opening Hours

The pricing policy at the airport is moderate compared to major international hubs, but slightly higher than in the city.

• Average Bill: A cup of tea and a sandwich will cost approximately 150–250 INR.
• Opening Hours: The food point opens 2 hours before the first departure and closes after the last flight departs. There is no 24-hour service.

Recommendations for Passengers

For a full lunch or dinner, it is strongly recommended to visit restaurants in the city before travelling to the airport. Excellent establishments with Indian and continental cuisine can be found at hotels like Mayfair or Central Park, just 15 minutes' drive from the terminal. Rourkela Airport is best viewed solely as a place for a cup of coffee or a light snack before boarding the plane.

Travelling through a regional airport has its own specifics, different from flying through major international hubs. To ensure your departure from Rourkela goes as smoothly as possible and without unnecessary stress, we have collected the most relevant tips, considering the features of the local terminal and aircraft fleet.

Optimal Arrival Time and Check-in

Despite the airport's compactness, do not arrive at the last minute. The recommended arrival time is 1.5–2 hours before departure. Check-in counters here close strictly 45 minutes before departure, and staff may not make exceptions for latecomers. To save time, be sure to complete Web Check-in on the airline's website. In India, this is often a mandatory requirement. Save the boarding pass on your phone or print it in advance — you will be asked to present it along with your passport at the very entrance to the airport building for verification by CISF security.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane

Flights from Rourkela are operated by ATR-72 turboprop aircraft. These liners have their own nuances:

• For view lovers: Since these planes fly at a lower altitude than jet liners, window seats (A and F) will give you breathtaking panoramas of Odisha's landscapes and industrial giants from a bird's eye view.
• For comfort: The engines are located under the wings, so the noise level is noticeably lower in the front part of the cabin. If you are sensitive to sound, choose rows 1 to 8.
• Legroom: In the ATR-72, the seat pitch is standard, but the first row and seats by the emergency exits usually offer slightly more space.

Hand Luggage: What is Important to Know

The main feature of flights on the ATR-72 is the very small overhead luggage bins. A standard Cabin Size (S) suitcase simply will not fit there. Be prepared for your hand luggage (except for ladies' handbags, backpacks with laptops, and briefcases) to be checked in or taken right at the stairs into the "Delivery at Aircraft" compartment. Therefore, valuables, documents, money, and power banks must be kept in a separate small bag that can be placed under the seat.

It is strictly prohibited to carry lighters (even one), sharp objects (manicure scissors, penknives), and liquids in containers larger than 100 ml in hand luggage. In India, the presence of lighters and matches is treated particularly strictly — they are confiscated at security checks in 100% of cases.

Tips for Transit Passengers

Rourkela Airport is a "dead-end" or starting point, and there are no direct international flights from here. If you are flying with a connection in Bhubaneswar or Kolkata:

• Single Ticket: Try to book the flight as a single booking. In this case, luggage will be checked through to the final destination, and in case of a delay of the first flight, the airline will take care of you.
• Separate Tickets: If you are flying with different airlines, allow at least 3–4 hours for the connection. You will have to collect your luggage at the intermediate airport, and go through check-in and security again. Given that flights on small aircraft are sensitive to weather, the risk of delays is higher than average.

Customs Formalities

Since the airport serves only domestic flights, there is no customs or passport control here. However, it is worth remembering internal transport rules: for example, rules for carrying alcohol may vary depending on the destination state. Carrying copra (dried coconut) is prohibited in any form due to its high flammability.

How to Save Time and Money

To avoid unnecessary expenses, do not buy food at the airport unless absolutely necessary — the choice is small, and prices are higher than in the city. It is better to have a snack in the city before leaving. For transfers, use taxi aggregator apps to fix the trip price and avoid bargaining with drivers on the street. If you are travelling light, an auto-rickshaw will take you to the centre for half the price of a taxi.

Actions in Case of Flight Delay

In winter (due to fog) and during the monsoon season (due to heavy rains), the schedule may shift. There is little entertainment in the terminal, so:

• Install the airline app (Alliance Air) or track flight status via FlightRadar24 before leaving the hotel.
• Take a book with you or download a movie to your tablet — Wi-Fi is available, but its speed may be unstable.
• Have a fully charged power bank with you, as the number of sockets in the waiting hall is limited.