Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), situated in Bhubaneswar, functions as a vital infrastructure pillar for East India’s flight system. Renamed after the previous Chief Minister along with freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this airport has developed from a provincial terminal into a strategic international access point handling over 4.6 million passengers per annum.
Chronological Growth and Key Significance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Establishment and Early Development
Commissioned on 17 April 1962, the aerodrome emerged as Odisha’s primary civil air transport center. Its location – 1.8 miles from the urban core of Bhubaneswar – offered strategic accessibility.
### Pandemic Resilience and Epidemic Recovery
The coronavirus crisis briefly suspended BBI’s international ambitions, suspending commencing connections to Malaysia’s capital and Bangkok. However, May 2023 saw a significant rebound with 6E airline initiating flights to UAE, Singapore, plus Bangkok.
Facilities and Technical Abilities
### Passenger Buildings
BBI’s two-terminal setup efficiently segregates domestic and global traffic:
– Terminal 1: Contains 18 check-in counters
– T2: Provides six registration desks
### Airstrip and Aviation Navigation
The principal airstrip (RWY 14) measures 2,743m, equipped for accommodating wide-body aircraft.
Financial Influence and Public Value
### Visitor Sector Development
Odisha’s traveler influx increased twofold to 32 lakh in 2024, attributed to BBI’s expanded route map.
### Employment Generation
AAI reports 8,400 direct jobs in terminal services, commerce, and air traffic control.