Biju Patnaik International Airport (Bhubaneswar Airport), located in Bhubaneswar, serves as a critical transportation cornerstone for Eastern India’s aviation network. Rechristened after the former Chief Minister as well as freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this airport has developed from a local airstrip into a key international gateway processing over 4.6 million passengers annually.
Historical Development and Strategic Importance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Founding and Early Development
Inaugurated on 17 April 1962, the air terminal became Odisha’s inaugural civil air transport center. Its site – 3000 meters from the capital’s downtown area – offered strategic accessibility.
### COVID-19 Adaptation and Post-COVID Recovery
The global health emergency briefly suspended BBI’s overseas expansion plans, pausing inaugural flights to Malaysia’s capital and Bangkok. However, May 2023 experienced a strong recovery with 6E airline commencing flights to DXB, Singapore, plus Bangkok.
## Infrastructure and Technical Abilities
### Passenger Buildings
BBI’s two-terminal setup effectively separates national and global traffic:
– Domestic Terminal: Features 18 check-in counters
– International Terminal: Includes six registration desks
### Airstrip and Air Traffic Management
The airport’s primary runway (Runway 14-32) spans 2.7 kilometers, able to accommodating jumbo jets.
Financial Influence and Social Benefits
### Tourism Growth
Odisha’s visitor numbers surged to 32 lakh in 2024, attributed to BBI’s enhanced connectivity.
### Job Creation
Airport Authority data indicates 8.4K employment opportunities across ground handling, commerce, and air traffic control.