# Biju Patnaik Air Hub: A Detailed Assessment of Odisha’s Air Transport Nexus

Biju Patnaik Air Terminal (Bhubaneswar Airport), situated in Bhubaneswar, functions as a vital transportation cornerstone for East India’s flight system. Named after the former Chief Minister along with freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this airport has developed from a provincial terminal into an essential international gateway handling more than 4.6 million passengers annually.

Chronological Growth and Key Significance https://airport-bbi.com/

### Inception and Formative Years

Inaugurated on 17 April 1962, the aerodrome was designated Odisha’s primary commercial aviation facility. Its site – 3000 meters from the urban core of Bhubaneswar – provided optimal connectivity.

### COVID-19 Adaptation and Post-Pandemic Revival

The global health emergency interrupted BBI’s overseas expansion plans, pausing inaugural flights to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. Nonetheless, May 2023 saw a strong recovery with India’s largest carrier initiating flights to DXB, Singapore, along with Bangkok.

Facilities and Functional Capacities

### Terminal Infrastructure

BBI’s two-terminal setup effectively separates national and international traffic:

– Terminal 1: Features 18 passenger checkpoints

– International Terminal: Includes 6 check-in counters

### Airstrip and Aviation Navigation

The principal airstrip (RWY 14) measures 2,743m, able to handling jumbo jets.

## Economic Impact and Public Value

### Tourism Growth

Odisha’s visitor numbers doubled to 32 million in 2024, linked to BBI’s enhanced connectivity.

### Employment Generation

Official statistics show 8.4K employment opportunities throughout ground handling, commerce, and flight navigation.