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.
