No, Puri does not have an operational airport today. The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar (BBI), roughly 60 km from Puri by road, usually a 1.5 to 2 hour drive. A new Shree Jagannath International Airport is planned at Puri, but it is still at the approvals stage and has no confirmed opening date.
Updated October 2026 · HappyFares
Many pilgrims and beach holidaymakers search for flights to Puri and find none. The practical answer is to fly into Bhubaneswar and continue by road. Here is how that works, and where the new airport project stands as of 10 October 2026.
Is there an airport in Puri?
There is no operational passenger airport at Puri. Flights to the Jagannath temple town land at Bhubaneswar. Travellers searching for “flights to Puri” are effectively looking for flights to BBI, with a road transfer after landing.
Bhubaneswar has scheduled flights from many major Indian cities. Search by the airport code BBI for your dates and compare the options.
How far is Bhubaneswar airport from Puri?
Road distance from Biju Patnaik International Airport to Puri is roughly 60 km, mostly along NH 316, and the drive usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic. These are travel-guide and map figures rather than an official measurement, so check live routing on the day you travel.
Taxis are available at the airport, and buses also run between Bhubaneswar and Puri. If you arrive in the evening during a festival period, book the onward transfer in advance, because road traffic towards Puri can be heavy.
A simple plan for a Puri weekend: fly into BBI in the morning, take a taxi or bus to Puri, and keep the return flight for the afternoon or evening of your last day, leaving a buffer for the road. Avoid cutting it fine on a tight connection, since the 60 km drive is the part of the trip you cannot control.
If you are travelling with elderly parents or small children, ask the airline for any assistance you need at the airport at the time of booking or well before departure. Assistance is requested from the airline, not from the ticket seller.
What is the status of the new Puri airport?
The proposed airport is called Shree Jagannath International Airport. It is planned as a greenfield project at Sipasarubali near Puri. The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation gave site clearance in September 2023. Here is what recent reports say:
- Forest clearance: the Environment Ministry gave a first-stage (in-principle) forest clearance in April 2026, with conditions to meet before the final stage.
- Environment and coastal clearance: on 7 October 2026, news outlets quoting the Puri collector reported that the project had received final environmental clearance and Coastal Regulation Zone clearance.
- Site: reports describe a site of about 1,164 acres (471 hectares). Reports differ on how much of the land has been acquired, with the private-land portion described as the part still being finalised.
- Scale: reports mention an estimated cost of Rs 5,631 crore and capacity for about 4.6 million passengers a year. These are estimates and may change.
The Airports Authority of India is expected to prepare a detailed project report, and further central approvals are still needed before construction. Reports quoting officials said the next steps are a ministry no-objection certificate and AAI’s go-ahead for that report.
When will the Puri airport open?
No official opening date has been announced, and we will not guess one. Clearances, land acquisition, design and construction all come before a first flight, and big airport projects often take several years. Until an authority announces a date, plan every Puri trip around Bhubaneswar.
Did you know? Puri’s Jagannath temple is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites.
What should I plan for Rath Yatra 2027?
Rath Yatra is Puri’s biggest festival, and its date follows the lunar calendar. For 2027, panchang sources list it on Monday, 5 July 2027 (Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya). Dates can vary by a day depending on how the tithi is counted, so confirm with the Shree Jagannath Temple administration closer to the time.
Plan early. Flights into Bhubaneswar, trains and rooms around the festival tend to fill up well in advance. Book your flight as soon as dates are fixed and set a price alert if you are still deciding. Expect crowds, traffic restrictions and security arrangements around the temple and Grand Road, which local authorities announce close to the date.
If you are combining Puri with the rest of Odisha, our guide to the Konark Dance Festival and flights to Bhubaneswar covers another trip from the same airport.
Common Questions
Which airport is closest to Puri?
Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (BBI). It is roughly 60 km from Puri by road.
Can I fly directly to Puri today?
No. There is no operational airport at Puri, so you fly to Bhubaneswar and travel onwards by road.
Has the new Puri airport been approved?
It has received several clearances, including environment and coastal clearance reported on 7 October 2026. Further approvals and a detailed project report are still pending, so construction timing is not confirmed.
When will Shree Jagannath International Airport open?
There is no official opening date. Do not rely on any date quoted in unofficial posts.
How long is the drive from Bhubaneswar airport to Puri?
Usually about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. Allow extra time during festivals.
When is Rath Yatra in 2027?
Panchang sources list Monday, 5 July 2027. Confirm closer to the date with the temple administration.
Heading to Puri? Search flights to Bhubaneswar on HappyFares, set a price alert for your dates, or ask Meera, our AI assistant, to compare options. Domestic bookings carry zero convenience fee.
Project status, distances and festival dates can change; verify current specifics with the Odisha government, AAI, the airline or the temple administration before you travel.
