Bhubaneswar, Oct. 7 -- The proposed Shree Jagannath International Airport in Odisha's Puri has received final environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, clearing a major hurdle for the greenfield project despite wildlife experts raising concerns over its potential impact on migratory birds and endangered marine species.

The airport, proposed in the Sipasarubali area of Puri district and just about 5 km from the Jagannath temple, will come up on 471.348 hectares, including 27.887 hectares of forest land.

The airport is planned to handle 4.6 million passengers annually in Phase-I, with an international facility proposed in the first phase itself, subject to regulatory approvals. Its capacity is en...