Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), situated in Bhubaneswar, acts as a crucial aviation foundation for Eastern India’s aviation network. Renamed after the ex- Chief Minister as well as freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this air hub has transitioned from a regional facility into an essential international portal handling above 4.6 million passengers annually.
Chronological Growth and Key Significance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Establishment and Initial Growth
Commissioned on 17 April 1962, the airport emerged as Odisha’s inaugural civil air transport center. Its site – 3000 meters from Bhubaneswar’s city center – provided convenient access.
### Crisis Management and Epidemic Recovery
The coronavirus crisis interrupted BBI’s overseas expansion plans, pausing commencing connections to KL and Bangkok. Nevertheless, May 2023 experienced a significant rebound with IndiGo initiating flights to Dubai, Singapore, along with Bangkok.
## Infrastructure and Functional Capacities
### Terminal Infrastructure
BBI’s paired terminal arrangement effectively separates internal and global traffic:
– Terminal 1: Contains eighteen registration desks
– Terminal 2: Offers 6 passenger checkpoints
### Runway and Air Traffic Management
The airport’s primary runway (RWY 14) extends 2,743m, able to accommodating large planes.
## Economic Impact and Social Benefits
### Tourism Growth
Odisha’s traveler influx increased twofold to 3.2 crore in 2024, attributed to BBI’s improved network.
### Employment Generation
Airport Authority data indicates over eight thousand positions across ground handling, shopping, and air traffic control.
