Biju Patnaik International Airport (Bhubaneswar Airport), located in Bhubaneswar, functions as a vital transportation cornerstone for East India’s flight system. Renamed after the former Chief Minister along with freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this airport has transitioned from a provincial terminal into a strategic international access point managing more than 4.6 million passengers per annum.
Chronological Growth and Key Significance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Founding and Early Development
Inaugurated on 17 April 1962, the airport emerged as Odisha’s first civil air transport center. Its location – 1.8 miles from the urban core of Bhubaneswar – provided strategic accessibility.
### Pandemic Resilience and Epidemic Recovery
The coronavirus crisis interrupted BBI’s overseas expansion plans, halting commencing connections to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. Nonetheless, May 2023 saw a strong recovery with India’s largest carrier launching flights to Dubai, Singapore, and Bangkok.
Facilities and Operational Capabilities
### Passenger Buildings
BBI’s two-terminal setup efficiently segregates internal and global traffic:
– Domestic Terminal: Includes eighteen registration desks
– Terminal 2: Offers 6 check-in counters
### Landing Strip and Flight Control
The airport’s primary runway (14/32) measures 9,000 feet, equipped for managing large planes.
Commercial Effects and Public Value
### Visitor Sector Development
Odisha’s tourist arrivals doubled to 3.2 crore in 2024, linked to BBI’s enhanced connectivity.
### Job Creation
AAI reports 8.4K employment opportunities across airport operations, commerce, and flight navigation.
