Officials said while the security of BPIA is entrusted to Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), security at the other three – Veer Surendra Sai Airport, Jharsuguda, Jeypore airport and Rourkela airport – are handled by Odisha Police. Before obtaining a BCAS licence for operationalising an airport, there are some mandatory requirements including training of security staff. The Barisal airstrip that will be transformed into a world-class pilot training centre, can train 500 pilots annually. The State Government has allocated Rs 275 crore for the project.
A government letter said because of the rush in BPIA because of increased air traffic, GATI was not getting slots for the trainees. The Birasal airstrip got approval from the DGCA in November 2019 and started flying trainer aircraft in December on a temporary basis.