Biju Patnaik International Airport (Bhubaneswar Airport), positioned in Bhubaneswar, serves as a critical infrastructure pillar for Eastern India’s aviation network. Rechristened after the previous Chief Minister and freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this air hub has transitioned from a regional facility into an essential international gateway managing over 4.6 million passengers annually.
Chronological Growth and Key Significance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Establishment and Formative Years
Inaugurated on 17 April 1962, the airport was designated Odisha’s primary public flight infrastructure. Its site – 3000 meters from Bhubaneswar’s city center – ensured strategic accessibility.
### Pandemic Resilience and Post-COVID Recovery
The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted BBI’s overseas expansion plans, suspending commencing connections to KL and Bangkok. However, May 2023 witnessed a significant rebound with 6E airline launching flights to Dubai, Singapore, along with Bangkok.
Facilities and Technical Abilities
### Terminal Facilities
BBI’s paired terminal arrangement effectively separates national and global traffic:
– T1: Features eighteen registration desks
– International Terminal: Provides six registration desks
### Landing Strip and Aviation Navigation
The airport’s primary runway (14/32) measures 2,743m, able to handling large planes.
Commercial Effects and Community Advantages
### Tourism Growth
Odisha’s visitor numbers surged to 3.2 crore in 2024, linked to BBI’s improved network.
### Job Creation
AAI reports over eight thousand positions across airport operations, commerce, and air traffic control.