Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), situated in Bhubaneswar, serves as a vital aviation foundation for the region’s air connectivity. Rechristened after the former Chief Minister as well as freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this aerodrome has developed from a provincial terminal into a key international access point processing above 4.6 million passengers per annum.
Chronological Growth and Crucial Relevance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Founding and Formative Years
Inaugurated on 17 April 1962, the airport was designated Odisha’s first civil air transport center. Its location – 3 km from the urban core of Bhubaneswar – provided convenient access.
### Crisis Management and Epidemic Recovery
The coronavirus crisis temporarily halted BBI’s international ambitions, halting inaugural flights to Malaysia’s capital and Bangkok. Nevertheless, May 2023 witnessed a strong recovery with India’s largest carrier commencing flights to Dubai, Singapore, along with Bangkok.
Developments and Functional Capacities
### Terminal Infrastructure
BBI’s two-terminal setup strategically divides national and international traffic:
– Domestic Terminal: Includes eighteen registration desks
– International Terminal: Includes 6 check-in counters
### Runway and Air Traffic Management
The main landing strip (RWY 14) spans 2.7 kilometers, able to handling jumbo jets.
Commercial Effects and Community Advantages
### Visitor Sector Development
Odisha’s tourist arrivals doubled to 32 lakh in 2024, linked to BBI’s improved network.
### Employment Generation
AAI reports 8.4K employment opportunities throughout terminal services, commerce, and flight navigation.