With Odisha’s aviation sector poised for rapid expansion, the state has initiated work on an Aviation Security Training Institute (ASTI) in Bhubaneswar. The facility will be developed through a public-private partnership (PPP) model at the site of the former Government Aviation Training Institute at Biju Patnaik International Airport. Aimed at training security personnel for both existing and upcoming airports, the institute marks a major step toward enhancing airport readiness, safety standards, and regional skill development in the aviation ecosystem.
The Aviation Security Training Institute is being developed to meet the growing security demands of Odisha’s expanding air travel network. As new domestic and regional airports are established across the state under the UDAN scheme and other connectivity programmes, trained manpower is emerging as a critical gap.
The upcoming ASTI, to be housed within the old aviation training facility at Biju Patnaik International Airport, seeks to address this need by producing a steady pipeline of trained aviation security personnel. Officials involved in the project indicate that the PPP model will allow the inclusion of advanced training technologies, simulation labs, and international best practices, ensuring a world-class curriculum.
The institute will train staff for screening, terminal security, airside operations, and emergency response. The move comes amid heightened demand for integrated security services at new airports in places such as Rourkela, Jharsuguda, and Jeypore, making Bhubaneswar a central hub for aviation skill development.
Beyond airport security training, the ASTI is expected to catalyse employment and skill creation across Odisha’s aviation value chain. Authorities anticipate that the facility will serve as a regional knowledge centre, training not only security staff but also airport personnel in compliance, risk mitigation, and disaster preparedness. In line with national civil aviation safety standards, the curriculum will be aligned with the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) protocols and international norms.
Experts overseeing the project highlight that as Odisha positions itself as an eastern gateway for domestic air traffic, workforce preparedness must evolve simultaneously. Bhubaneswar, being a focal point in the state’s aviation grid, is seen as a strategic location to base such an institute. The facility is also expected to offer refresher training for existing airport staff and serve as a certification centre, reinforcing the government’s broader push to make Odisha aviation-ready through high-quality human resource infrastructure.
As Odisha’s airport infrastructure scales up, the Bhubaneswar-based Aviation Security Training Institute represents a timely and strategic investment in aviation workforce preparedness. Developed through a public-private partnership, ASTI is poised to become a key enabler for safe, efficient airport operations across the state. With industry-aligned curriculum, modern training systems, and a focus on compliance, the institute underscores the state’s long-term vision for sustainable aviation growth. Experts believe that equipping security personnel with professional skills will not only enhance airport safety but also create skilled jobs, thus supporting both economic development and regional connectivity objectives in the aviation sector
