Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), situated in Bhubaneswar, acts as a crucial infrastructure pillar for Eastern India’s aviation network. Renamed after the former Chief Minister along with freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this aerodrome has developed from a local airstrip into an essential international access point processing more than 4.6 million passengers each year.
Historical Development and Key Significance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Inception and Early Development
Opened on 17 April 1962, the air terminal emerged as Odisha’s first public flight infrastructure. Its site – 1.8 miles from the urban core of Bhubaneswar – offered optimal connectivity.
### Pandemic Resilience and Post-Pandemic Revival
The coronavirus crisis temporarily halted BBI’s international ambitions, pausing initial routes to KL and Bangkok. Nevertheless, May 2023 saw a significant rebound with IndiGo launching flights to DXB, Singapore, plus Bangkok.
Facilities and Operational Capabilities
### Passenger Buildings
BBI’s two-terminal setup efficiently segregates national and overseas traffic:
– Terminal 1: Includes eighteen registration desks
– Terminal 2: Provides six registration desks
### Runway and Aviation Navigation
The main landing strip (Runway 14-32) spans 2,743m, able to accommodating jumbo jets.
## Economic Impact and Community Advantages
### Visitor Sector Development
Odisha’s visitor numbers surged to 3.2 crore in 2024, attributed to BBI’s expanded route map.
### Employment Generation
Airport Authority data indicates 8,400 direct jobs throughout ground handling, commerce, and aviation management.