Have you ever seen an aircraft stationed at an airport for the public to see? If not, you can do so at Biju Patnaik International Airport, popularly known as Bhubaneswar Airport.
The vintage Dakota DC-3 aircraft has become one of the city’s top tourist attractions. Recently, when I was at the airport, I took out some time to have a look at the aircraft.
The aircraft is of great historical significance. It was owned by Biju Patnaik, ace pilot and ex-Chief Minister of Odisha. In 1947, this aircraft was used by the renowned politician to rescue former Indonesian Vice-President Md. Hatta and Prime Minister Sutan Sjahrir.
The Dakota aircraft was transported from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata at the beginning of this year. It was dismantled at the Kolkata airport before being transported to Bhubaneswar, where it was put back together.
Going by the sheer number of people that gathered around the aircraft, it is obvious that it has captured everyone’s interest. Do spend some time exploring this vintage aircraft the next time you are at Bhubaneswar Airport.
Here are some pictures.
