Biju Patnaik International Airport (Bhubaneswar Airport), located in Bhubaneswar, serves as a crucial transportation cornerstone for East India’s flight system. Renamed after the ex- Chief Minister along with freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this aerodrome has evolved from a regional facility into a key international access point processing above 4.6 million passengers each year.
Historical Development and Key Significance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Founding and Initial Growth
Commissioned on 17 April 1962, the aerodrome became Odisha’s first public flight infrastructure. Its position – 3 km from the capital’s downtown area – offered strategic accessibility.
### COVID-19 Adaptation and Post-Pandemic Revival
The COVID-19 pandemic briefly suspended BBI’s overseas expansion plans, suspending inaugural flights to Malaysia’s capital and Bangkok. However, May 2023 saw a strong recovery with 6E airline initiating flights to UAE, Singapore, along with Bangkok.
## Infrastructure and Technical Abilities
### Terminal Facilities
BBI’s paired terminal arrangement effectively separates domestic and overseas traffic:
– Terminal 1: Features eighteen registration desks
– Terminal 2: Provides six registration desks
### Landing Strip and Flight Control
The airport’s primary runway (RWY 14) spans 9,000 feet, capable of managing large planes.
Financial Influence and Social Benefits
### Tourism Growth
Odisha’s tourist arrivals surged to 32 lakh in 2024, attributed to BBI’s expanded route map.
### Job Creation
Airport Authority data indicates over eight thousand positions throughout airport operations, commerce, and flight navigation.
