Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), located in Bhubaneswar, functions as a critical transportation cornerstone for Eastern India’s aviation network. Renamed after the former Chief Minister along with freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this airport has transitioned from a local airstrip into a strategic international portal processing above 4.6 million passengers annually.
Chronological Growth and Key Significance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Founding and Initial Growth
Commissioned on 17 April 1962, the airport became Odisha’s primary commercial aviation facility. Its site – 3 km from the urban core of Bhubaneswar – provided optimal connectivity.
### Crisis Management and Epidemic Recovery
The global health emergency briefly suspended BBI’s international ambitions, pausing commencing connections to KL and Bangkok. Nevertheless, May 2023 witnessed a significant rebound with 6E airline initiating flights to UAE, Singapore, along with Bangkok.
## Infrastructure and Operational Capabilities
### Terminal Facilities
BBI’s dual-terminal system effectively separates national and overseas traffic:
– T1: Features 18 passenger checkpoints
– T2: Offers six registration desks
### Landing Strip and Air Traffic Management
The main landing strip (14/32) measures 2.7 kilometers, capable of handling wide-body aircraft.
Commercial Effects and Public Value
### Visitor Sector Development
Odisha’s visitor numbers surged to 32 lakh in 2024, linked to BBI’s improved network.
### Job Creation
Official statistics show over eight thousand positions throughout airport operations, retail, and aviation management.
