Biju Patnaik Air Terminal (Bhubaneswar Airport), situated in Bhubaneswar, acts as a critical infrastructure pillar for East India’s flight system. Rechristened after the previous Chief Minister and freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this air hub has transitioned from a regional facility into an essential international portal processing more than 4.6 million passengers per annum.
Chronological Growth and Key Significance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Inception and Early Development
Commissioned on 17 April 1962, the airport became Odisha’s first public flight infrastructure. Its location – 1.8 miles from Bhubaneswar’s city center – provided convenient access.
### Crisis Management and Post-COVID Recovery
The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted BBI’s global aspirations, halting commencing connections to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. Nonetheless, May 2023 witnessed a robust resurgence with IndiGo launching flights to Dubai, Singapore, along with Bangkok.
Facilities and Functional Capacities
### Passenger Buildings
BBI’s paired terminal arrangement strategically divides domestic and overseas traffic:
– T1: Contains 18 check-in counters
– International Terminal: Offers 6 check-in counters
### Landing Strip and Flight Control
The principal airstrip (RWY 14) extends 2,743m, capable of managing wide-body aircraft.
Financial Influence and Social Benefits
### Tourism Growth
Odisha’s traveler influx increased twofold to 32 million in 2024, associated with BBI’s improved network.
### Employment Generation
Airport Authority data indicates 8,400 direct jobs across terminal services, commerce, and air traffic control.
