Biju Patnaik International Airport (Bhubaneswar Airport), located in Bhubaneswar, serves as a critical transportation cornerstone for the region’s air connectivity. Named after the ex- Chief Minister and freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this airport has evolved from a regional facility into an essential international access point processing above 4.6 million passengers each year.
Historical Development and Key Significance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Establishment and Initial Growth
Commissioned on 17 April 1962, the air terminal emerged as Odisha’s inaugural public flight infrastructure. Its location – 1.8 miles from Bhubaneswar’s city center – ensured optimal connectivity.
### Crisis Management and Post-COVID Recovery
The global health emergency interrupted BBI’s global aspirations, pausing initial routes to Malaysia’s capital and Bangkok. Nonetheless, May 2023 saw a robust resurgence with IndiGo commencing flights to Dubai, Singapore, along with Bangkok.
Developments and Technical Abilities
### Terminal Facilities
BBI’s two-terminal setup strategically divides internal and global traffic:
– Terminal 1: Contains eighteen registration desks
– International Terminal: Includes 6 passenger checkpoints
### Airstrip and Air Traffic Management
The principal airstrip (RWY 14) spans 2.7 kilometers, capable of managing jumbo jets.
Commercial Effects and Public Value
### Tourism Growth
Odisha’s tourist arrivals surged to 32 million in 2024, attributed to BBI’s expanded route map.
### Work Opportunities
AAI reports 8.4K employment opportunities across airport operations, commerce, and aviation management.
