Need to boost regional air connectivity: Patel

New Delhi, Nov 28: As the boom in air travel continues, new destinations are being added across the country, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel told the Rajya Sabha today.

At the same time, 35 non-metro airports have been identified for development of international standards by 2010, Mr Patel told the Upper House during the question hour.

Various development works have been planned. This includes construction of additional parking stands with associated taxiways, new integrated terminal complex and a new technical block cum control tower.

Bhubaneswar is among the 35 non-metro airports identified, Mr Patel said, adding the city airport will be upgraded to international status in the coming years.

The minister said there was a need to open more points for air travel as traditional points of travel are not relevant today.

UNI