Jamshedpur:
The air services connecting Jamshedpur with Kolkata and Bhubaneswar operated by INDIAone Air are on the verge of suspension. The airline has informed its employees via email that the validity of the Central Government’s RCS (Regional Connectivity Scheme) is nearing its end. If the scheme is not extended, flights on the Jamshedpur–Kolkata route will be discontinued from January 31, 2026, while services on the Jamshedpur–Bhubaneswar route will stop from February 28, 2026.
Concern Grows Over Expiry of RCS Scheme
According to the company, with the expiry of the RCS scheme, the agreement under which the Tata Group provides financial concessions at Sonari Airport will also come to an end. This would significantly increase operational costs, leaving the airline with no viable option but to discontinue the services.
Kunal Sarangi Meets Tata Steel MD
Taking up the issue, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) Central Spokesperson Kunal Sarangi met Tata Steel Managing Director T. V. Narendran. He urged that, considering public convenience, the concessions extended to INDIAone Air at Sonari Airport should be continued so that the air services remain operational.
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Demand for Runway Expansion
Sarangi also requested that until a permanent solution is found for Dhalbhumgarh Airport, the existing runway at Sonari Airport should be extended. This would allow ATR aircraft, which earlier operated from the airport, to resume operations and provide better air connectivity to the city.
Assurance from Tata Steel
Tata Steel MD T. V. Narendran assured that if the Central Government extends the RCS scheme for Jamshedpur, the Tata Group will continue to bear expenses related to landing charges, parking charges, and terminal management, as it did earlier, to keep the air services running. He also informed that instructions have been issued to concerned officials to prepare a technical proposal for runway expansion at Sonari Airport.
Move to Approach the Centre
Kunal Sarangi stated that he would request Chief Minister Hemant Soren to take up the matter with the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation and ensure a timely extension of the RCS scheme for Jamshedpur, so that residents of the city do not lose this crucial air connectivity.
